They Wanted to Trap Him
They wanted to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him. Luke 11:54 (NLT)
In this passage, we see that the Pharisees tried to provoke Jesus with many questions. Their goal was not to learn, but to trap Him with His own words. Of course, they failed; Jesus was always wise in what He said. This teaches us about the power and the care we must have with our words, because the enemy also seeks to use them against us.
- The Danger of Talking Too Much
King Solomon warned us: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (Proverbs 10:19, NLT)
As communicators, and especially as preachers, we sometimes talk so much that we end up using words we later need to change, seeking one that is more accurate, kinder, or more positive. The prudence of Jesus is our best example. - The Enemy’s Trap
Just like the Pharisees, the devil will try to provoke us to speak negatively. He wants us to fall into the trap of complaining, fear, or unbelief, so that he can then use those same words against us and ruin our day. - The Decision Not to Fall
Today, each of us chooses not to fall into that trap. Instead of reacting to provocation, we consciously decide to speak what God speaks about us. - Declaring Blessing and Not Curse
We choose to use our words to declare blessing. We boldly affirm that we are like a tree planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season, and that everything we do prospers. (Psalm 1:3, NLT) - Aligning Our Life with the Word
We speak what we want to see:
I live in divine health.
I have a renewed and strong mind in Christ Jesus.
My emotions are healthy and stable, and my convictions are firm in Him.
I have a fresh and uncontaminated anointing for this day. - Activating Provision and Favor
We declare that the Lord opens the windows of heaven and pours out a blessing so great we won’t have enough room to take it in. (Malachi 3:10, NLT)
On this day, favor, grace, kindness, and preferential treatment as children of God are granted to us and our families.
Our mouth is a powerful instrument. Let’s not allow the enemy to trap us in negativity or complaint. Instead, let’s be intentional. May every word that comes out of our mouth today serve to build up, to declare God’s truth, and to establish His blessing over our lives and the lives of those around us.
They wanted to trap Him into saying something they could use against Him. Luke 11:54 (NLT)
Think About It:
- In which areas of your life have you fallen into the trap of speaking negatively?
- What are two or three declarations of faith (like those in Psalm 1:3 or Malachi 3:10) that you can begin speaking over your day?
- What practical step will you take today to be more prudent with your words and use them only as an instrument of blessing?