𝗔 𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡 𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗘 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗣

A LITTLE LEAVEN LEAVENETH THE WHOLE LUMP

Galatians 5:9; 1 Corinthians 5:6 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION

In Scripture, leaven is consistently used as a picture of corrupting influence. In the Dispensation of Grace, the greatest danger to the Church is not open unbelief—but small doctrinal errors quietly mixed with truth. Paul warns that just a little leaven is enough to corrupt the whole lump.

This message exposes how minor compromises, if unchecked, grow into major corruption—doctrinally, morally, and spiritually.

Galatians 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:16–18

THE PRINCIPLE OF LEAVEN

Leaven always spreads and never stays small.

A. Leaven Works Secretly — It grows unseen (Galatians 5:9)

B. Leaven Works Slowly — Gradual corruption (Hebrews 12:15)

C. Leaven Works Surely — It always affects the whole (1 Corinthians 5:6)

Galatians 5:9; Hebrews 12:15; 1 Corinthians 5:6

THE PERVERSION OF THE GOSPEL

False gospels often begin with “just a little.”

A. Grace Plus Works — Corrupts salvation (Galatians 1:6–7)

B. Faith Plus Law — Brings bondage (Galatians 5:1)

C. Christ Plus Religion — Nullifies grace (Galatians 2:21)

Galatians 1:6–9; Galatians 2:21; Romans 11:6

THE POISON OF LEGALISM

Law mixed with grace is spiritual leaven.

A. Law Denies Liberty — We are not under law (Romans 6:14)

B. Law Produces Pride — Flesh boasts (Romans 3:27)

C. Law Paralyzes Growth — Grace teaches us (Titus 2:11–12)

Romans 6:14; Romans 3:27; Titus 2:11–12

THE POLLUTION OF FALSE DOCTRINE

Bad doctrine spreads faster than truth.

A. False Teaching Eats Like Cancer — Spiritual gangrene (2 Timothy 2:17)

B. False Teachers Sound Scriptural — But twist truth (2 Peter 3:16)

C. False Doctrine Diverts Faith — From simplicity (2 Corinthians 11:3)

2 Timothy 2:17; 2 Peter 3:16; 2 Corinthians 11:3

THE PRACTICE OF TOLERATED SIN

Unjudged sin corrupts the whole assembly.

A. Sin Allowed Weakens Testimony — Before the world (1 Corinthians 5:1–2)

B. Sin Unchecked Spreads Quickly — Moral leaven (1 Corinthians 5:6)

C. Sin Dishonors Christ — Our Head (Ephesians 5:27)

1 Corinthians 5:6–7; Ephesians 5:27; Romans 8:10

THE PROBLEM OF COMPROMISE

Small compromises open big doors.

A. Compromise Sounds Loving — But denies truth (Ephesians 4:15)

B. Compromise Weakens Conviction — Dulls discernment (Hebrews 5:14)

C. Compromise Invites Confusion — God is not author of it (1 Corinthians 14:33)

Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 5:14; 1 Corinthians 14:33

THE PERIL OF MIXING DISPENSATIONS

Israel’s program mixed with the Church is leaven.

A. Kingdom Gospel Mixed with Grace — Confusion (Galatians 2:7)

B. Israel’s Law Applied to the Church — Error (Colossians 2:16–17)

C. Prophecy Confused with Mystery — Loss of clarity (Romans 16:25)

Galatians 2:7; Colossians 2:16–17; Romans 16:25

THE PURGING OF LEAVEN

God commands separation, not tolerance.

A. Purge Out Old Leaven — Clear command (1 Corinthians 5:7)

B. Put Away False Teaching — Avoid them (Romans 16:17)

C. Prove All Things — Hold fast truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

1 Corinthians 5:7; Romans 16:17; 1 Thessalonians 5:21

THE POWER OF PURITY

A clean lump honors Christ.

A. Pure Doctrine Protects Believers — Sound faith (Titus 1:9)

B. Pure Living Glorifies God — Testimony (Philippians 2:15)

C. Pure Assembly Pleases Christ — His Body (Ephesians 5:30)

Titus 1:9; Philippians 2:15; Ephesians 5:30

CONCLUSION

Leaven never stays little. Whether it is false doctrine, legalism, sin, or dispensational confusion, unchecked leaven will always corrupt the whole lump. God’s remedy is right division, separation, and sound doctrine.

2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 5:7

CALL TO ACTION

Examine what you believe (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Study to rightly divide the Word (2 Timothy 2:15)
Separate from doctrinal error (Romans 16:17)
Stand fast in grace (Galatians 5:1)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Small error leads to big corruption
Grace must remain pure
Law mixed with grace is leaven
False doctrine spreads silently
Tolerated sin weakens the church
Compromise invites confusion
Right division brings clarity
Separation protects purity
A pure gospel produces a powerful testimony