Each sermon is accompanied by a summary, practical points, and relevant scripture for deeper insight. Our study guides also include devotional content to help you apply biblical truths to your daily life.
- Summary
As we approach the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we’re called to examine the deeper spiritual significance of removing leaven from our homes. This practice isn’t just about cleaning our pantries; it’s a powerful metaphor for purging sin from our lives. The Hebrew words ‘seor’ and ‘chametz’ teach us about the nature of sin – how it starts small like a sourdough starter but can quickly spread through our whole being. Just as we meticulously search for and remove physical leaven, we’re challenged to scrutinize our hearts, identifying and eliminating spiritual ‘leaven’ that might be holding us back in our faith journey. This process of self-examination and purification prepares us to fully embrace the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, drawing us closer to our Creator and strengthening our spiritual walk.
Once you’ve watched the sermon, you will find the study guide located below the video.
Now that you've listened to the sermon, please use the study guide below to dive deeper into the topic.
- How to Use Guide
- Summary
- Points & Scriptures
- Discussion Questions
- Small Group Guide
- Devotional
The purpose of this Sermon Library is to support your spiritual growth as you revisit, reflect and meditate on the sermon topic, and study the Scriptures.
In each tab of the Study Guide, you will find information that will help you increase your understanding and knowledge of Yahweh’s Word and gain deeper insight into the Biblical topic covered.
You can engage in this study on your own or with a group.
It is our hope that these tools provide you with meaningful activities to help you on your walk, as you engage in them during the week and in days leading up to a Feast.
2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Study Guide
Summary – Read and reread to help you remember the answer to the question, “What was this sermon about?” so that you can deepen your understanding on this topic and can learn what to say in order to easily share this with others.
Points and Scriptures – Compare these to your notes. If needed, add the key points and Scriptures to your notes, for further review. Turn to each Scripture passage and read it. You may want to keep a notebook or journal, with Scripture Lists by topic. Scriptures that say (alluded to) next to it were included in content of the message (ex. appeared on a slide) without the Scripture itself being read.
Discussion Questions – Read one at a time, writing the answers down in your notebook or journal. Use your notes, as well as the information in the Points & Scriptures tab, to help you answer the questions.
Small Group Guide – We recommend that you engage in this activity during the week with a group of brethren, family members and/or friends.
Devotional – We recommend that you engage in these activities during the week and/or in days leading up to the Feast.
As we approach the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we’re called to examine the deeper spiritual significance of removing leaven from our homes. This practice isn’t just about cleaning our pantries; it’s a powerful metaphor for purging sin from our lives. The Hebrew words ‘seor’ and ‘chametz’ teach us about the nature of sin – how it starts small like a sourdough starter but can quickly spread through our whole being. Just as we meticulously search for and remove physical leaven, we’re challenged to scrutinize our hearts, identifying and eliminating spiritual ‘leaven’ that might be holding us back in our faith journey. This process of self-examination and purification prepares us to fully embrace the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth, drawing us closer to our Creator and strengthening our spiritual walk.
Key Points:
- Seor refers to a sourdough starter or highly fermented dough used to leaven bread
- Chametz is the product of leavening, typically leavened bread
- Leavening agents alone (like yeast) are not considered seor or chametz without grain
- The command to remove leavening during the Feast of Unleavened Bread applies to products containing both grain and leavening agents
- The spiritual significance of removing leavening represents removing sin and embracing truth
- Wine, despite containing yeast, was allowed during the Feast of Unleavened Bread
- The importance of studying and understanding Scripture deeply, even challenging long-held beliefs
Scripture Reference:
- Exodus 12:15-20
- Leviticus 2:11
- Exodus 23:18
- Deuteronomy 16:3-4
- Leviticus 23:13
- Exodus 12:15
- Exodus 12:19
- Exodus 13:7
- Deuteronomy 16:4
- Matthew 13:33 (alluded to)
- Exodus 23:18
- Exodus 34:25
- Leviticus 2:11
- Leviticus 6:17
- Leviticus 7:13
- Leviticus 23:17
- Deuteronomy 16:3
- Amos 4:5
How does understanding the distinction between ‘seor’ and ‘chametz’ deepen our appreciation for the spiritual symbolism of removing leaven during the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
In what ways might the process of searching for and removing leaven from our homes parallel the examination and removal of sin in our lives?
How does the inclusion of leavened bread in peace offerings and Shavuot challenge our perception of leaven as always symbolizing sin?
What spiritual lessons can we draw from the fact that yeast alone is not considered leaven, but becomes leaven when combined with grain?
How might the command to eat unleavened bread while abstaining from leavened products during the feast reflect spiritual principles for our daily lives?
In what ways does the speaker’s interpretation of grain substitutes with leavening agents reflect the spirit vs. letter of the law debate?
How does the presence of wine (which contains yeast) during the Feast of Unleavened Bread challenge our understanding of what constitutes ‘leaven’ from a biblical perspective?
What spiritual implications might there be in the fact that the focus of the leaven commandments is on eating, not drinking?
How might the practice of removing leaven and eating unleavened bread for seven days impact our awareness of sin and purity in our daily lives throughout the year?
In what ways does this deeper understanding of leaven in Scripture challenge us to be more diligent in studying and accurately interpreting other biblical commands?
Small Group Guide: Understanding Biblical Leavening
Opening Prayer
Key Takeaways:
1. The Hebrew words “seor” and “chametz” are crucial to understanding biblical leavening.
2. Seor refers to a starter dough or leavening agent, while chametz is the leavened product.
3. Biblical leavening requires both grain and a leavening agent.
4. The focus is on eating leavened products, not drinking.
5. Removing leavening during the Feast of Unleavened Bread has spiritual significance.
Discussion Questions:
1. What surprised you most about the biblical definition of leavening? How does this differ from what you previously understood?
2. The sermon mentions that wine, which contains yeast, was used during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. How does this challenge our understanding of what should be removed during this time?
3. Discuss the spiritual symbolism of removing leavening and eating unleavened bread. How can we apply this to our lives beyond just the physical act?
4. The speaker mentions that some people try to get around the leavening rules by using grain substitutes. What are your thoughts on this practice? How can we honor the spirit of the command rather than just the letter?
5. How does understanding the true meaning of biblical leavening impact your preparation for the upcoming Feast of Unleavened Bread?
6. The sermon emphasizes the importance of studying and searching out the truth in Scripture. Share an experience where deeper study changed your understanding of a biblical concept.
Practical Applications:
1. Before the Feast of Unleavened Bread, go through your pantry and read labels to identify products containing both grain and leavening agents.
2. Research and share unleavened bread recipes or meal ideas for the upcoming feast.
3. Reflect on areas of “spiritual leaven” (sin, hypocrisy) in your life that you need to remove. Create an action plan to address these issues.
4. Commit to a deeper study of another biblical topic that you’ve always been curious about but haven’t fully explored.
5. During the Feast of Unleavened Bread, keep a journal of your experiences and insights gained from observing this commandment with your new understanding.
Closing Prayer
Day 1: Removing the Leaven of Sin
Reading: Exodus 12:14-20
Devotional: As we approach the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we’re reminded of Yahweh’s command to remove leaven from our homes. This physical act symbolizes a deeper spiritual truth – the need to remove sin from our lives. Just as the Israelites were instructed to thoroughly search their homes for leaven, we too must examine our hearts for hidden sin. What areas of your life need cleansing? Ask Yahweh to reveal any “leaven” in your heart and give you the strength to remove it. Remember, this isn’t about perfection, but about pursuing holiness and drawing closer to Yahweh.
Day 2: The Bread of Sincerity and Truth
Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Devotional: Paul uses the imagery of unleavened bread to remind us of our new life in Messiah. We are called to celebrate not with the “old leaven” of malice and wickedness, but with the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Consider how you can cultivate more sincerity and truth in your life. Are there areas where you’ve been less than honest with yourself or others? How can you embrace a more authentic faith? Ask Yahweh to help you live transparently before Him and others, embracing the new life He’s given you in Messiah.
Day 3: Offerings of Thanksgiving
Reading: Leviticus 7:11-15
Devotional: It’s intriguing that while leaven was prohibited in most offerings, it was required in the peace offering. This reminds us that Yahweh desires our genuine, everyday selves in worship. We don’t need to present a “perfect” version of ourselves to Yahweh. He wants our real, ordinary lives offered in gratitude. What can you offer to Yahweh today in thanksgiving? It might be something simple – a song, a prayer, an act of kindness. Remember, it’s not about the grandeur of the offering, but the sincerity of the heart behind it.
Day 4: The Leaven of the Kingdom
Reading: Matthew 13:33
Devotional: Yahshua uses leaven as a positive metaphor for the Kingdom of Yahweh. This reminds us that while leaven can symbolize sin, it can also represent positive, transformative influence. How can you be “leaven” in your community, spreading Yahweh’s love and truth? Consider one small act you can do today that might have a ripple effect of goodness. Remember, the Kingdom often grows in subtle, almost imperceptible ways, but its influence is profound.
Day 5: Examining Our Hearts
Reading: Psalm 139:23-24
Devotional: As we conclude this week of reflection, let’s invite Yahweh to search our hearts deeply. The psalmist asks Yahweh to examine him and lead him in the way everlasting. This requires vulnerability and trust. It’s easy to overlook our own faults or justify our actions, but true growth comes when we allow Yahweh’s light to shine in every corner of our hearts. Spend some time in silent prayer, asking Yahweh to reveal any areas that need His transforming touch. Thank Him for His patience and grace as He continues to shape you into the image of Messiah.