Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, leaven is often used metaphorically to represent influence, particularly of a corrupting nature. While leaven in its literal sense refers to a substance like yeast that causes dough to rise, its symbolic use in Scripture frequently denotes the pervasive and insidious nature of sin and false teaching. This entry focuses on the metaphorical use of leaven in relation to ungodly professors—those who claim to follow God but whose teachings and actions are contrary to His truth.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, leaven is first mentioned in the context of the Passover. The Israelites were commanded to remove all leaven from their homes during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, symbolizing the removal of sin and corruption (Exodus 12:15). This act served as a physical reminder of the need for purity and separation from the sinful practices of surrounding nations. New Testament Warnings The New Testament expands on the metaphorical use of leaven, particularly in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus warns His disciples to "beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:6). Here, leaven represents the false teachings and hypocritical practices of these religious leaders, who professed godliness but were inwardly corrupt. Their influence was dangerous because it could spread subtly and pervasively among the people. The Apostle Paul also uses the metaphor of leaven to address issues within the early church. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, he admonishes the Corinthian church for tolerating immorality among its members: "Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are." Paul emphasizes the need for the church to maintain purity and to expel those who, while professing faith, live in blatant sin. Similarly, in Galatians 5:9, Paul warns against the influence of false teachers who were attempting to impose legalistic practices on the believers: "A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough." Here, leaven symbolizes the corrupting influence of legalism, which undermines the gospel of grace. Characteristics of Ungodly Professors Ungodly professors, as represented by the metaphor of leaven, are those who outwardly claim allegiance to God but whose teachings and lifestyles contradict His Word. They may exhibit the following characteristics: 1. Hypocrisy: Like the Pharisees, they may appear righteous outwardly but are inwardly full of deceit and wickedness (Matthew 23:27-28). 2. False Teaching: They propagate doctrines that deviate from the truth of Scripture, leading others astray (2 Peter 2:1). 3. Moral Corruption: Their lives may be marked by unrepentant sin, which can influence and corrupt the community of believers (Jude 1:4). 4. Subtle Influence: Their impact is often gradual and not immediately apparent, making it all the more dangerous (2 Timothy 3:5). Response to Ungodly Professors The biblical response to ungodly professors is one of vigilance and discernment. Believers are called to test all teachings against the truth of Scripture (1 John 4:1) and to separate themselves from those who persist in falsehood and immorality (2 Corinthians 6:17). Church leaders, in particular, are tasked with guarding the flock against such corrupting influences (Acts 20:28-30). In summary, the metaphor of leaven as it pertains to ungodly professors serves as a sobering reminder of the need for purity, truth, and vigilance within the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 5:6,7Your glorying is not good. Know you not that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Moab is My Washpot A Jealous God A Treatise of the Fear of God; The Lost Silver Piece Christian Behavior Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Light for them that Sit in Darkness; The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Resources What is the meaning of the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price? | GotQuestions.orgHow many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the Feast of Weeks? | GotQuestions.org Leaven: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Leaven (Yeast) of the Hypocrisy of the Pharisees Leaven (Yeast): A Symbol for Sin Leaven (Yeast): Leavened Bread Forbidden with Blood Leaven (Yeast): Leavened Bread Forbidden with Meat offerings Leaven (Yeast): Leavened Bread Forbidden: At the Passover Meal Leaven (Yeast): Leavened Bread Used with a Peace-Offering Leaven (Yeast): Leavened Bread Used with a Wave-Offering Leaven used With Thank offerings Leaven: Diffusive Properties of Leaven: Doctrines of Pharisees Leaven: First Fruits of Wheat offered With Leaven: Forbidden: During the Feast of the Passover Leaven: Forbidden: To be offered With Blood Leaven: Forbidden: To be offered With Meat offerings Which Were Burned Leaven: The Rapid Spread of the Gospel Related Terms Praise-offering (5 Occurrences) Kneading-trough (2 Occurrences) Kneadingtroughs (2 Occurrences) Kneading-troughs (2 Occurrences) Freewill-offerings (8 Occurrences) Peace-offering (46 Occurrences) |
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