Removing the Leaven in 2011

“Removing the Leaven In 2011”
I Corinthian 5:6-8
The other evening, we grilled hamburgers, and Sis. Nancy made an unappetizing discovery in her burger. It was a piece of wire. We assume it came from the wire brush I used to scrape the grill, but fortunately, she found it. There’s no telling what damage and discomfort it may have caused. Apparently the chef should have been a little more thorough. Even something so small can have a huge effect.
In our text this morning, we notice Paul using the analogy of leaven or yeast. A small amount of leaven has the power to effect a whole loaf of dough. In the Bible, leaven is used symbolically of sin.
The Corinthians had a church member who was engaged in twisted sexual sin. Paul is directed by the Holy Spirit to write the Corinthians about how to deal with church discipline. We won’t be discussing church discipline this morning, but rather, we want to consider this analogy of sin and how important it is that the church and its member be pure.

I. PERMEATING EFFECT-
For such a small amount, leaven or yeast carries a pretty powerful punch
Its souring presence spreads through the whole dough, causing it to puff up
The Bible is making the case that it does take a big sin or a lot of sin to corrupt us
When we allow even a small amount of sin in our lives, it has the ability to spread
We deceive ourselves into thinking that a little sin is acceptable and controllable
Satan has us right where he wants us when we start to believe that we can handle a little sin
As soon as we feel that we are in control, sin can easily take control of us
The truth is that sin sours us from a right relationship with God
It causes us to be puffed up in pride just like dough is puffed up with yeast
Not only can a little bit of sin contaminate our lives, but it also will affect others
Our sin has a way of contaminating our families and polluting the church
Ezekiel 18:2 The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge?
That sin that you are concealing may destroy the lives of your children
That sin that you are harboring could hold back the growth of our church
There are Biblical examples. David numbering the troops
Achan’s sin in Jericho caused the defeat of Israel at Ai

II. PASSOVER ENDEAVOR -
Before Passover, Jewish families do a thorough job cleaning their homes
This is probably where we get the tradition of spring cleaning.
They remove any leaven, which they call chametz, from their home.
On the final night, a candle is used to light up every nook in the search for hidden leaven.
A feather is used to sweep it into a bag, so it can be removed and burned
Passover, of course, is the holiday that commemorates the final plague of Egypt
The lamb was slain and its blood applied to protect the people of Israel
It is celebrated on a particular day, but is also a weeklong event
Throughout that week, there is no leaven permitted to the Jewish people
Exodus 12:19 Seven days shall there be no leaven found in your houses: for whosoever eateth that which is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he be a stranger, or born in the land.
Jesus Christ is our Passover lamb, sacrificed for us
It is by the shedding of His blood that we are delivered from death and hell
Since Christ is our Passover, if we would honor Him,