Bread must “proof” to allow the leavening agent to cause the dough to rise before baking. [Same dough 40 minutes later.]

The Scripture uses this same “power” of leaven to teach 2 very valuable lessons.

“Leaven” can cause needed growth in something important

Matt 13:33 Another parable He spoke to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till it was all leavened.”

The “leaven” of the kingdom…  One’s growth is silent, “inward”  The results of growth are visible  All must be affected

Matt 22:37 “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”

The “leaven” of the kingdom…  One’s growth is silent, “inward”  The results of growth are visible  All must be affected  The leavening influence is to be greatly desired

“Leaven” can cause needed growth in something important “Leaven” can also cause great damage in something important

1 Cor 5:6-7 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough? Clean out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.

Matt 16:6, 12 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

The “leaven” of sin…  Sin, religious error is contagious  If left unchecked, all is poisoned  The leavening influence is to be avoided at all costs

1 Pet 2:11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.

Has all of your life been affected for good by the power of the gospel? Have you removed all leavening effects of sin, worldliness from your heart? Do you do your part to ensure no leavening effects of sin enter into and remain in this local church?

May we truly be influenced for good by being here this morning and worshiping God. Our assembly will now begin.