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Have you ever been tempted to sin? I know, I know. That’s a dumb question, isn’t it? We’ve all be tempted to sin. But what happens in the midst of experiencing temptation? Answer: You’re tempted to believe that something is superior, something is better than what you currently have. So, when you’re eating dinner and you know one more bite would be gluttonous, your temptation is, “It’s better to do this than to trust God and his ways are best.” When you’re tempted to click a certain link on the internet, you’re tempted to believe picture or video is better than God and his ways. When you’re tempted to lust after a certain lifestyle, you’re tempted to think

Answer: You’re tempted to believe that something is superior, something is better than what you currently have.

So, when you’re eating dinner and you know one more bite would be gluttonous, your temptation is, “It’s better to do this than to trust God and his ways are best.” When you’re tempted to click a certain link on the internet, you’re tempted to believe that picture or video is better than God and his ways. When you’re tempted to lust after a certain lifestyle, you’re tempted to think that is better than contentment in God and his ways.

We understand this, I think. But how do we fight against the feelings that those things are superior when they really feel like they’re better? One of my favorite verses is Psalm 16:11 – “In your presence is fullness of joy and at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” I love this verse because when I’m tempted to believe something else is better, this verse says, “God’s presence is superior. Forever pleasure and fullness of joy come from God!” Why would I diminish joy by turning to sin? Why would I spurn God when all I long for is found in him? This is a psalm I’ve had to preach to myself over and over again, and I hope it’s a psalm that you’d memorize to encourage you in your fight against sin. But still, you could say, “Easier said than done.” But there’s something more in this psalm. This psalm directly applies to Jesus. The psalmist

But still, you could say, “Easier said than done.” Well, there’s something more in this psalm. Did you know that this psalm is considered a messianic psalm? That mean that it clearly, obviously and directly applies to the Messiah Jesus. The psalmist prophecies of Jesus’ resurrection here when he says that his soul will not remain in the grave.

Let me ask you something. Did Jesus have an easy life here on this earth? Absolutely not. But the truths in this psalm were truths that Jesus affirmed. He was on the path of life. He was headed straight for glory. But the path to glory was rejection and crucifixion. Enduring all of this, his confidence was in God and God was his joy. Then, we’re told that after he rose from the dead, he sat at the right hand of God. He endured for the joy set before him! And now, even today, he grants the promises of superior pleasure and joy to all who trust in him! So, when you’re fighting sin, remember this verse. And also remember the Savior who was tempted in all points like we, yet without sin. Remember the Savior who now is resurrected, giving us forgiveness and victory in our lives, too!