A Little Leaven: The Bane Of Christian Life
A Little Leaven: The Bane Of Christian Life
1 Corinthians 5:6-8.
The dangerous repercussion of a “little” compromise cannot be over-emphasized. The “little” symbolizes the trivialization associated with some form of misconduct acceptable within society and sometimes in Christian circles, although unacceptable to God and His perfect will for us. It is these “little unharmful sins” that pave the way for what we term or think as “major sins”- Songs of Solomon 2:15. But before God, no sin is greater than the other- Luke 16:10.
The Lord, through Apostle Paul, does not mince words when He strongly condemns these “little” errors and compromises.
Characteristics of a leaven:
- It usually appears harmless: it can easily be mistaken as a defense of one’s right or religion- Matthew 15:3-6; 16:6, 12.
- It festers and spreads quickly: it is usually quickly adopted by weak-minded believers and those who see such as an excuse to reveal the hidden lusts in their hearts- Number 11:4.
- It paves the way for bigger offense and eventually becomes a hindrance to God’s will: Judges 8:24,27.
- It is usually choosing what is good for us over what is best and acceptable before God- Genesis 17:18,19.
- There’s always a hidden motive with transient earthly benefit (Luke 20:46, 47) neglecting the fact that the real motive is known to God- Hebrews 4:13.
The Apostle speaks of the way out in verses 7 and 8 of the text.
Verse 7(The Passover sacrifice): As typified from the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt, so now we see Christ as the perfect Passover lamb of the new dispensation. We can get rid of the little leavens of the flesh through the work of grace that Christ has procured by His sacrifice- Hebrew 6:1.
Verse 8 concludes with the characters that should portray our lives as unleavened (unstained, untainted) bread (sacrifice) to God. It is that of sincerity (‘Spirit’- our spirit man is the real man acceptable before God) and truth. On these two characters lies the true worship of God- John 4:23, 24.
1 Yield not to temptation,
For yielding is sin;
Each vict’ry will help you,
Some other to win;
Fight valiantly onward,
Evil passions subdue;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through.
Refrain:
Ask the Savior to help you,
Comfort, strengthen and keep you;
He is willing to aid you,
He will carry you through.
2 Shun evil companions,
Bad language disdain;
God’s name hold in rev’rence,
Nor take it in vain;
Be thoughtful and earnest,
Kindhearted and true;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]
3 To him that o’ercometh,
God giveth a crown;
Through faith we will conquer,
Though often cast down;
He who is our Savior,
Our strength will renew;
Look ever to Jesus,
He will carry you through. [Refrain]
