How does this verse inspire holiness within the church community today? The Verse in Focus “Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) Old Yeast vs. New Dough: The Picture of Holiness • Yeast in Scripture often symbolizes sin’s spreading influence (Galatians 5:9). • Paul calls the community “a new unleavened batch”—already declared clean in Christ—yet commands them to remove the remaining “old yeast.” • Holiness, then, is both positional (what we are) and practical (what we practice). Christ Our Passover Lamb: The Power Behind Holiness • Just as Israel removed leaven at Passover (Exodus 12:15-20), the church removes sin because “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” • His once-for-all sacrifice supplies: – Forgiveness that frees us from condemnation (Hebrews 10:10). – Power to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). – Motivation: gratitude fuels obedience (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). Practical Ways to “Clean Out the Old Yeast” Today • Personal repentance—daily confess and forsake known sin (1 John 1:9). • Intentional discipleship—encourage one another to grow (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Guarding inputs—evaluate media, conversations, and habits that reintroduce “yeast.” • Integrity in relationships—seek reconciliation, reject gossip, pursue purity (Ephesians 4:25-32). • Faithful observance of the Lord’s Supper—regularly remember the Passover Lamb and examine ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:27-29). Corporate Implications: Guarding the Whole Batch • Sin tolerated in one member affects the whole body (Joshua 7:1-13; 1 Corinthians 5:6). • Loving correction and, when necessary, church discipline protect the congregation and aim at restoration (Matthew 18:15-17). • Leadership models holiness by transparent living and sound teaching (1 Timothy 4:12-16). Related Scriptures that Echo the Call • “Put off your former way of life… and put on the new self” (Ephesians 4:22-24). • “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). • “Since we have these promises… let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement… perfecting holiness” (2 Corinthians 7:1). Takeaway: Living as the Unleavened People We Already Are Because Christ’s sacrifice is complete, the church already stands unleavened before God. That settled identity fuels the ongoing removal of sin’s residue, so the community can reflect the purity of its Passover Lamb and shine a compelling witness to the world. |
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