Explore the metaphorical significance of leaven in the Bible, emphasizing its power as an influence, the dangers of negative influence (bad leaven), and the blessings of positive influence (good leaven).
Good morning, family. I want to talk with y'all today about something we encounter every day, yet we often overlook its deeper meaning: leaven. Yes, I'm talking about that stuff we use in bread. But beyond the kitchen, leaven, in the Bible, is a powerful metaphor. It can stand for influence, both good and bad. And today, we will be diving into John 6:25-35 to uncover "the power of leaven, the danger of bad leaven, and the blessing of good leaven."
Leaven, in its most basic form, is a substance that causes dough to rise. It's a common ingredient in bread, giving it that fluffy, airy texture we all love. But beyond its culinary uses, leaven holds a profound metaphorical significance in the Bible. It represents influence, and it's this aspect of leaven that we'll be focusing on today.
Its transformative ability: A small amount of leaven can change the entire batch of dough. Similarly, a small influence can have a significant impact on a person, a community, or even the world. This is why the Bible often uses leaven as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 13:33, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until it was all leavened. This parable illustrates how the Kingdom of God works in our lives and in the world. It starts small, almost unnoticeable, but it eventually permeates and transforms everything.
Its pervasive nature: Once leaven is mixed into the dough, it spreads throughout, affecting every part of it. Similarly, the influence we allow into our lives can pervade our thoughts, our actions, and our character. This is why it's crucial to be mindful of the influences we let into our lives. Are they leading us closer to God, or are they pulling us away from Him?
Its potential to multiply: A small piece of leavened dough can be used to leaven a new batch of dough, and this process can be repeated indefinitely. Similarly, the influence we have on others can multiply. When we live according to God's Word, we can influence others to do the same, and they, in turn, can influence others.
A call to responsibility: As Christians, we are called to be leaven in the world, to influence others for Christ. We are called to be transformative, pervasive, and multiplying in our influence. But this is not an easy task. It requires us to be intentional in our actions, to be discerning in the influences we allow into our lives, and to be committed to living according to God's Word.
The danger of bad leaven is a concept that is deeply rooted in the Bible ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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