How can we ensure our homes are spiritually "unleavened" today? The Call to Be Unleavened (1 Corinthians 5:7-8) “Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as indeed you are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Why Leaven Matters - In Scripture, leaven represents sin’s silent, spreading influence (Galatians 5:9). - Removing leaven at Passover (Exodus 12:15) pictured a life cleansed from corruption. - Paul applies the symbol to believers’ homes and fellowship, urging a “new unleavened batch.” Spotting Leaven in the Modern Home - Hidden resentment, unresolved conflict, or “malice and wickedness.” - Entertainment that normalizes sin or dulls spiritual sensitivity (Psalm 101:3). - Speech flavored by gossip, coarse joking, or half-truths (Ephesians 4:29). - Habits that crowd out time with the Lord—busyness can ferment unbelief. Practical Steps to Purge the Leaven 1. Examine the house and the heart together. • Set aside an evening to read 1 Corinthians 5 aloud. • Invite each family member to name anything that needs removal or surrender. 2. Remove physical leaven‐carriers. • Clear out books, music, movies, websites, décor, or devices that undermine holiness. • Replace them with resources that celebrate “sincerity and truth.” 3. Restore broken relationships quickly. • “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18) • Seek forgiveness within the household first; bitterness leavens faster at home. 4. Establish Christ‐centered rhythms. • Daily Scripture reading and shared discussion (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Regular communion and thanksgiving that Christ, our Passover Lamb, has cleansed us. Cultivating an Unleavened Atmosphere Daily - Guard the “doorposts” of media and conversation. Ask, “Will this bring in fresh bread or old leaven?” - Speak blessing: let encouragement and truth be the predominant aroma (Proverbs 18:21). - Practice hospitality that reflects purity—welcome others into a space free from spiritual clutter. - Keep short accounts with God; confession is the broom that sweeps out new crumbs of sin (1 John 1:9). Scriptures That Reinforce the Vision - Exodus 12:15—“Seven days you must eat unleavened bread…” - Joshua 24:15—“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” - Psalm 101:2—“I will walk with integrity of heart within my house.” - Matthew 13:33—leaven’s permeating power contrasted with kingdom influence. - 2 Timothy 2:21—vessels cleansed for honorable use. Living “unleavened” is not a one-time sweep but a continual posture—removing what corrupts, welcoming what sanctifies, and celebrating the Lamb who makes our homes a place of sincerity and truth. |
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