Galatians 5:9
A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Truth to Learn
Any teaching in the church, no matter how small, which does not square with the Bible, needs to be abandoned.
Behind the Words
The word translated “leaven” is dzumē, which is probably derived from dzeō, meaning “to heat.” Leaven, or yeast, is a fermentation substance which, when added to flour causes a biochemical process that, among other things, produces heat.
“Lump” is translated from the Greek word phurama, which is derived from the verb phuraō meaning “to break, to dissolve, or to knead.” Hence, it refers to that which has been kneaded. This word is used to describe clay that is pounded and kneaded by a potter before making a vessel, and it is also used of a lump of bread dough before it is baked.
Meaning Explained
Paul has explained to the Galatian Christians that they have been tripped-up in their pursuit of a daily close walk with God. He said that they have been persuaded, not by the truth of God’s word but by the crafty message of the legalistic false teachers. The “tripping-up” that he is referring to is the inclusion of legalistic practices, added to simple faith, as necessary for salvation.
Either Paul has already heard a rebuttal of his points or he anticipates how these legalists might respond, “What harm does it do if some of us think this is necessary? It’s such a small matter, why make such a big deal about it?” But, Paul has made a big deal about it, and with good reason.
The symbol of leaven representing false teaching was originally put forth by Jesus to His disciples. After the Pharisees and Sadducees had tried to trap Jesus in His teachings, He warned His disciples,
And Jesus said to them, “Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6)
The disciples, however, did not understand because they thought they were being admonished for forgetting to bring bread with them. Jesus immediately reminds them of His miraculous feeding of thousands from a few loaves and fish. Then He explained the real message:
“How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that He did not say to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (Matthew 16:11, 12)
Paul now uses this same symbolism to warn the Galatian Christians that allowing even a little bit of false doctrine will lead to more and more and more. Eventually they will be so steeped in bad doctrine that they will not be able to distinguish good doctrine from bad.
Application
Today we are being told by the world that we need to be more tolerant of differences in lifestyles and ideals. When it comes to doctrines of the Christian faith, however, we need to reject any teaching which is not fully supported by the Bible.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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