A LITTLE LEAVEN

Text: 1 Cor. 5:1-8
INTRODUCTION: Leaven is usually used in the Scripture to illustrate the penetrating and corrupting
influence of evil/sin. A sin can start with one or two, but very quickly can spread through the entire body
of a Church if left unchecked. The Church of Christ is warned not to condone any manner of sin within its
fold because the end is judgment. Gal. 5:9-10, 19-21, Prov. 11:21
1.SIN CAN BE CONTAGIOUS AND DEADLY.
*Sin is more deadly than any physical disease. More deadly than covid-19 and all the known diseases put
together. Unless the leaven of sin is removed, the whole lump will be infected
1 Cor 5:11-13, 2 Cor 6:14, 3 John 1:11, 1 Cor 11:31.
*The practice of sin should not be normal for believers Acts 17:30, 1 Pet 4:3-5.
*When we sin, it has an effect on us and others Josh 7:1-13.
2.WHAT ARE THE IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF SIN?
*It can block us from the ability to understand spiritual truth. Sin quenches the teaching ministry of the
Holy Spirit. Isa 59:2, Heb 6:4-6, 1 Thess. 5:19.
The Bible study will become unfruitful, no rewarding experience, no growth in Christ.
*We are supposed to allow the Word of God to point us to areas where we need changing.
James 1:22-25
*Sin will rob us of joy and take away godly excitement. And once we lose the joy of salvation, Christians
start looking to worldly pleasure to fill the void. Psa. 51:10-12
*Sin will hinder our fellowship with God, rob us of His peace and we become dry spiritually. From then
on, our walk will become mechanical and fleshy. It can cause our prayers to remain unanswered. Our sin
can affect and influence others around us thereby leading them astray.
Isa. 1:15-16, Psalms 24:3-5, Micah 3:4, Exod. 33:3, Rom 8:13
*Sin can cause us to lose anticipation of Christ's return. We become fearful.
We lose hope in the promise of life in eternity with Christ. Heb 10:26-31
3.CLEANSE OUT THE OLD LEAVEN.
To cleanse out the old leaven is to first acknowledge that our life is outside Christ - Out of order.
Psa 51:1-4. This must follow with repenting and renouncing all the errors.
2 Chron 7:14, 1 John 1:9, Titus 2:11-14
CONCLUSION: It would be the greatest shame for believers to miss out on the eternal glory promised by
God for us at the end of days. Therefore, let us go forward to live according to Christ’s command in order
to overcome sins that so easily beset us. May the grace of God and His mercy continue to avail for us in
Jesus name