Confusing the Devil

Aim: To confidently preach Jesus and His resurrection—as the faithful church.

Doctrine: Sometimes churchmen may use the devil's ''tricks'' against him, and though this involves ''dividing and conquering,'' for us, it must always be based in Christ's gospel truth.

Exegesis: The logical flow of the setting of ideologues against one another: first, the resurrection must be boldly proclaimed (vv. 6-8); then, chaos breaks-out (in the hearts of unbelievers) (vv. 9-10); finally, Jesus Himself encourages and strengthens His faithful servants (v. 11).

Further application: How the true church should emulate Paul's ''confusing of the devil'': by challenging sinners' religious notions with the truth about who Jesus Christ really is.

Key verses: vv. 6-7 ''Now when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.' And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.''