What does "clear out the old" symbolize in our spiritual lives? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians 5:7: “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.” Why Paul Uses Passover Language • In Exodus 12, Israel had to purge every trace of leaven before the Passover meal. • Leaven works silently, spreading through the dough; a vivid picture of sin’s quiet, pervasive influence. • Paul applies the same imagery to the church and to individual believers. Clear Out the Old: What It Symbolizes • Repentance—turning decisively from known sin (Isaiah 55:7). • Separation—distancing ourselves from habits, influences, and relationships that cultivate impurity (2 Corinthians 6:17). • Renewal—embracing the new nature we already possess in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Authenticity—living outwardly what God has made us inwardly: “unleavened” and righteous in Christ. Supporting Scriptures • Ephesians 4:22: “You were taught with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires.” • Colossians 3:9–10: “...since you have taken off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self...” • Hebrews 12:1: “Let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles.” Practical Ways to Sweep the House of the Heart • Daily Scripture intake—shining light on hidden corners (Psalm 119:9, 11). • Prompt confession—keeping accounts short with God (1 John 1:9). • Intentional accountability—inviting trusted believers to help spot lingering “crumbs” of sin (Proverbs 27:17). • Deliberate replacement—filling the void with obedience, service, worship, and gratitude (Romans 12:21). Living Unleavened: An Ongoing Lifestyle • Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16): He reveals and removes the old yeast. • Guard the gateways—eyes, ears, mind—so new yeast doesn’t enter (Proverbs 4:23). • Celebrate the feast—continual enjoyment of fellowship with Christ, our Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:8). Encouraging Promises • God finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6). • He supplies both the desire and the power to obey (Philippians 2:13). • When we clear out the old, we make room for “times of refreshing” from the Lord (Acts 3:19). |
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