Calendar

YE ARE UNLEAVENED (III)
SATURDAY, AUGUST 12
1 Corinthians 5:1-8

1 Corinthians 5:7

 

“Purge out therefore the old leaven,
that ye may be a new lump,

as ye are unleavened.”

 

YE ARE UNLEAVENED (III)
 
“Purge out therefore the old leaven.” “Purge” is a command to cleanse completely, urgently and effectively. “Old leaven” refers to our sinful nature, sinful lusts, selfishness, self-will, pride, etc.
 
(a) Leaven of Malice and Wickedness: the leaven of malice denotes habits of evil thought, mind, and character while the leaven of wickedness indicates evil deeds and words that hurt others.
 
(b) Leaven of Hypocrisy: The leaven of the Pharisees is hypocrisy (Luke 12:1), not practising what they preach or say, loving the honour and praise of men, looking righteous outwardly, loving honoured positions, etc.
 
(c) Leaven of Unbelief: The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection, angels or spirits (Acts 23:8), and they only accepted the five books of Moses as the Law. Many churches today do not believe God has preserved His Word perfectly for His children. Many do not believe in Christ’s premillennial Kingdom of peace on earth. The leaven of an unbelieving few can cause many to have a spirit of unbelief and criticism (Num 14:34- 37). Such a leaven of unbelief has quietly and secretly spread to many Christians, churches, seminaries!
 
(d) Leaven of Compromise and Politics: The Herodians, regarded as a political party, sided with the Sadducees, and joined with the Pharisees to plot against the Lord Jesus (Mark 3:6; 12:13). Their goal was to gain power and influence. Thus they were willing to compromise regardless of truth and justice. Sadly, today, many leaders play politics in the church, trying to win the hearts of members through their compromises and man-pleasing ways.
 
(e) Leaven of False Teaching: The believers in Galatia were influenced by the leaven of unbiblical doctrines (Gal 1:6; 5:9). So are many churches nowadays!
 
THOUGHT: Beware of and purge out all kinds of bad leaven.
PRAYER: Father, keep me unleavened so that I may keep the feast.

Search