Scripture:
1 Corinthians 5:7 – 8 – Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Let us therefore, celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, bit with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
Observation:
Paul is rebuking sexual immorality that is occurring within the Corinthian Church. In verses 7-8, Paul refers to the festival of unleavened bread which was celebrated to remember Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Just as the leaven was purged from the home, believers are to purge sin form the lives. Christ was sacrificed to carry the burden of sin for everyone who believes and we are new creations through Christ. We are to live in the truth of the gospel no longer chained in bondage to sin.
Application:
This chapter has a direct twofold application of the gospel to the Church and believers today. I can’t be a follower of Christ and engage in unrepentant sin of any kind. Further, I shouldn’t associate with any believer who is engaging in sin and I should call them out. Secondly, the power to change from death to life, dark to light is only available through the saving power of the gospel received by grace and living inside of me.
Prayer:
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word and the live changing love in the power of the gospel. Let the power of the Spirit guide me to no longer be bound to sin but to live in the hope of your salvation for me.