“For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about–but not before God! For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” – Romans 4:2-3
Matthew 16:6
“And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
– Matthew 16:6
Main Thought: When Jesus speaks of leaven here, He is not speaking literally of leaven, the ingredient that makes bread rise, but He is speaking of leaven in a figurative way, in the spiritual sense that represents wickedness and sin (1 Cor. 5:8). Jesus is warning the apostles of the sinfulness and wickedness of the Pharisees and their teaching. The Pharisees had an outward appearance of religiosity and righteousness, but inwardly later on Jesus said concerning the Pharisees “You are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matt. 23:28). They were extolled and held in high esteem by Jewish culture, but Jesus saw through their outward appearance and revealed their sin and wickedness. There is a warning here for us as Christians, to be discerning concerning those who appear religious outwardly but in reality are concerned first with the adoration and admiration of men, and are full of sin and hypocrisy. Their love is for self first, not God and the people of God. They are more concerned about appearance and success than being humble servants of God. They are more concerned with the opinions of men and pleasing the surrounding culture than they are about preaching the Gospel of Christ, seeing men and women repent of their sins, and equipping the church to advance the kingdom of God. They will be the ones who on the day of God’s judgment will say to Christ, “Lord, Lord, in Your name did we not prophesy, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name do many miracles? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness'” (Matt. 7:22-23). The call of Christ here is for us to be discerning about who we listen to and who we follow as teachers of the things of God. Be sure that those you listen to extol the Gospel and the Word of God without apology, serve God humbly and do not brag about their own accomplishments, and demonstrate love for the kingdom of God and His people above themselves. May God give us more spiritual shepherds in this day who are not full of ‘leaven’, but are full of humility, a love for God and His Word, and love for the people of God.
David Webber
David Webber is married to Mary with four children and four grandchildren, and serves as the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Longview, TX. He obtained a BS in History from the University of Texas at Tyler, TX, and pursued studies at Baptist Missionary Association Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, TX. Throughout his ministry, he has been an invited preacher and educator in numerous churches and various Bible conferences. Surrendering to the gospel ministry’s calling in 1972 at the age of 16, he received preaching licensure from Little Flock Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, in 1974. Graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in History from the University of Texas at Tyler in 1978, he was ordained in December of 1980 by Faith Baptist Church. Following this, he contributed his services to Faith Baptist in Longview and subsequently engaged with Grace Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas, where he instructed Sunday School and delivered sermons as needed. In February of 1994, Faith Baptist invited him to lead as their pastor, a role he has faithfully held to the present day. David writes a blog for the church website and is a writer for The Art of Worship.
More from David Webber
Romans 4:2-3
Psalm 92:8
“But You are on high forever, O Yahweh.” – Psalm 92:8
John 11:25-27
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die–ever. Do you believe this?’ She (Martha) said to Him, ‘Yes Lord; I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, the One who comes into the world.” – John 11:25-27
John 8:23-24
“And He was saying to them, ‘You are from below, I am from above. You are of this world, I am not of this world. Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins. For unless you believe that I am His, you will die in your sins.” – John 8:23-24
John 6:39-40
“Now this is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” – John 6:39-40
John 2:18-21
“The Jews then said to Him, ‘What sign do You show us as your authority for doing these things?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.’ The Jews then said, ‘It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and will You raise it up in three days?’ But He was speaking about the sanctuary of His body.” – John 2:18-21
John 1:14
“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Psalm 85:6
“Will You not Yourself return to revive us, that your people may be glad in You?” – Psalm 85:6
Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
“Incline your ear, O Yahweh, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy…For You, Lord, are good, and by nature forgiving, and abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You.” – Psalm 86:1 and 86:5
John 14:19
“After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me, because I live, you will live also.” – John 14:19