1 Corinthians 5:7

“Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:”

Context:Before diving into a specific verse, it’s important to understand the context in which it is written. The book of 1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul to address various issues within the Corinthian church. In Chapter 5, Paul addresses the problem of sexual immorality and the need for discipline within the church.

Verse:1 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV) says, “Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”

Symbolism of Leaven:In this verse, Paul uses the metaphor of leaven to illustrate a spiritual truth. Leaven is commonly used in Scripture to represent sin and its corrupting influence. Here, Paul encourages the Corinthians to “purge out” or remove the “old leaven.” This means they are to rid themselves of the sinful practices and behaviors that were present among them.

A New Lump:Paul further explains that the purpose of removing the leaven is so that they may become “a new lump.” This phrase suggests a transformation or a fresh start. As believers, they are called to live differently from the world, free from the contamination of sin. By removing the old leaven, they are to be a new creation in Christ.

Christ our Passover:Paul concludes the verse by making a powerful connection between the removal of leaven and the sacrifice of Christ. He states that “even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” This reference to the Passover points back to the Old Testament, where the Israelites were instructed to remove all leaven from their homes during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. It was a reminder of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt.

In a similar way, Paul suggests that just as the Israelites removed leaven from their homes during the Passover, believers are to remove sin from their lives through the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus, through His death and resurrection, provides the ultimate deliverance from the bondage of sin and offers a new life to all who trust in Him.

Application:This verse carries several practical applications for believers today:

• We are called to examine our lives and identify any areas of sin or wrongdoing. Just as leaven can easily spread and contaminate dough, sin can spread and affect our lives and the lives of others. We need to be intentional about removing sin from our lives.
• The sacrifice of Christ is central to our faith. We are to embrace and remember His sacrifice, acknowledging that it is through Him that we have been redeemed and set free.
• We are called to live as a new creation. By removing the leaven of sin, we are to pursue a holy and transformed life, reflecting the character of Christ in all that we do.
• Church discipline is necessary. Paul’s admonition to “purge out” the old leaven implies the need for church discipline when it comes to unrepentant sin within the church community. This serves as a reminder that the church is called to maintain a standard of holiness and accountability among its members.