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.
As we celebrate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we’re reminded of the profound spiritual cleansing it represents. This feast isn’t just about removing physical leaven from our homes, but about purging spiritual ‘leaven’ – false doctrines, sin, and worldly influences – from our lives. The Exodus story serves as a powerful metaphor for our own journey out of spiritual ‘Egypt’. Just as the Israelites left behind their old lives, we too are called to leave behind our sinful ways and embrace a new life in faith. The symbolism of leaven as a corrupting influence that spreads quietly but pervasively through our lives is particularly striking. It challenges us to be vigilant in examining our beliefs, actions, and the influences we allow into our lives. This feast invites us to renew our commitment to living in ‘sincerity and truth’, as Paul exhorts in 1 Corinthians 5. As we partake of unleavened bread, we’re reminded of Yahshua, the bread of life, and our call to become like Him – pure and undefiled by the world’s corrupting influences.
Now that you've listened to the sermon, please use the study guide below to dive deeper into the topic.
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.
Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the importance of observing the Feast of Unleavened Bread, emphasizing its spiritual symbolism and relevance for believers today. The speaker discusses how this feast represents putting away sin and false doctrines, and embracing sincerity and truth in one’s spiritual walk. The sermon highlights the continuity of Yahweh’s commandments from the Old to the New Testament, challenging common misconceptions about the relevance of these observances for modern Believers.
Key Points:
- The Feast of Unleavened Bread is part of Yahweh’s commanded observances and represents His plan for humanity
- Leaven symbolizes sin, false doctrine, and worldly influences that believers must remove from their lives
- The feast teaches self-examination and the importance of living a sin-free life after accepting Messiah’s sacrifice
- Yahshua and the apostles continued to observe these feasts, indicating their ongoing relevance
- Obedience to Elohim’s commands, including feast observances, is crucial for spiritual growth and pleasing Elohim
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some suggested relevant verses for key themes:
Explicitly Mentioned:
- Matthew 12:40
- Leviticus 23:5-6
- Exodus 3:14
- Deuteronomy 16:1
- Genesis 19:15
- 1 John 1:9
- Luke 2:41-43
- Mark 14:1-2
- Acts 12:3
- 1 Corinthians 5:1-8
- Numbers 33:3
- 1 Corinthians 10:6,11
- Matthew 16:6
- Romans 3:25
- Matthew 5:18
- Hebrews 6:1
- Acts 17:23
- James 4:17
- 1 Peter 2:21
- John 6:48-51
- Exodus 7 (general reference)
- Isaiah 30:21
Alluded to or Implied:
- Exodus 12 (Passover and Exodus narrative)
- Leviticus 23 (Feasts of Yahweh)
- 1 Kings 12 (Jeroboam changing feast dates)
- Matthew 26-28 (Impaling and Resurrection narrative)
- Acts 2 (Pentecost)
- Revelation 20 (Two resurrections)
Suggested Relevant Verses for Main Themes:
- Keeping Yahweh’s Feasts: Zechariah 14:16-19
- Importance of Yahweh’s Name: Exodus 20:7, Psalm 83:18
- Obedience to Yahweh: John 14:15, 1 John 5:3
- Coming out of the world: 2 Corinthians 6:17, Revelation 18:4
- Examining oneself: 2 Corinthians 13:5, 1 Corinthians 11:28
- False doctrine as leaven: Galatians 5:9, Matthew 16:11-12
- Yahshua as the Bread of Life: John 6:35
- Overcoming the world: 1 John 5:4, Revelation 3:21
How does the symbolism of leaven as false doctrine or sin relate to our daily spiritual lives, and what practical steps can we take to ‘purge out the old leaven’ as Paul instructs?
In what ways might modern believers unintentionally ‘linger in Sodom’ like Lot, and how can we be more proactive in separating ourselves from worldly influences?
How does the concept of Yahweh’s feasts being ‘forever’ challenge our understanding of worship practices, and what implications does this have for contemporary Christianity?
What parallels can we draw between ancient Israel’s exodus from Egypt and our own spiritual journey out of sin and false beliefs?
How might our approach to worship and obedience change if we truly internalized the idea that Yahshua will be our judge?
In what ways do we sometimes ‘glorify’ or accept sin within our faith communities, and how can we address this without becoming judgmental?
How does the imagery of unleavened bread being ‘tough’ and ‘unpopular’ relate to the challenges of following Yahweh’s truth in today’s world?
What can we learn from Yahshua’s example of keeping the feasts, and how might this inform our own spiritual practices and priorities?
How does the idea of examining our teachings and practices during the Feast of Unleavened Bread apply to our spiritual growth throughout the year?
In what ways might we be unconsciously influenced by the ‘leaven’ of our culture, and how can we become more aware of and resistant to these influences?
Here’s a small group guide based on the sermon:
Small Group Guide: Feast of Unleavened Bread
Opening Discussion:
1. What does the Feast of Unleavened Bread mean to you personally?
2. How familiar are you with this feast and its significance in Scripture?
Key Takeaways:
1. The Feast of Unleavened Bread is part of Yahweh’s commanded observances and represents His plan for the earth.
2. Leaven symbolizes sin, false doctrine, and worldly influences that can corrupt our faith.
3. Yahshua (Jesus) and the apostles kept these feasts, even after His resurrection.
4. The feast teaches us to examine our beliefs, practices, and remove error from our lives.
5. Obedience to Yahweh’s commands, including keeping His feasts, is crucial for true worship.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does the symbolism of leaven and unleavened bread apply to our spiritual lives today?
2. Why do you think many churches today don’t observe the biblical feasts? What are the implications?
3. The sermon mentions that leaven works “insidiously.” How have you seen subtle worldly influences affect your faith or the assembly?
4. How can we balance living in the world while not being “leavened” by it?
5. Discuss the challenges of following biblical truths that may go against popular cultural or religious practices.
Practical Applications:
1. This week, examine an area of your life or belief system for potential “leaven.” What might need to be purged?
2. Research more about the biblical feasts and their meanings. How might observing them enrich your faith?
3. Practice using Yahweh’s name in your prayers this week, as the sermon emphasizes its importance.
4. Identify one way you can be more obedient to a biblical command that you may have been neglecting.
Closing Reflection:
Spend time in prayer, asking Yahweh to reveal areas where you need to remove “leaven” from your life and for strength to follow His ways, even when it’s difficult.
Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon:
Day 1: Purging the Old Leaven
Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:6-8
Devotional: As we begin this journey, let’s reflect on the symbolism of leaven in our spiritual lives. Just as a little leaven spreads through the whole batch of dough, sin can permeate our hearts and minds if left unchecked. Today, take time to examine your life. Are there areas where you’ve allowed worldly influences to creep in? Ask Yahweh to help you identify and purge these “old leaven” elements, replacing them with the “unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” Remember, this process isn’t about perfection, but about progress in aligning our lives with Yahweh’s will.
Day 2: Following in Messiah’s Footsteps
Reading: 1 Peter 2:21-25
Devotional: Messiah set an example for us in every aspect of His life, including His observance of Yahweh’s appointed times. As we strive to follow in His footsteps, consider how your life reflects His teachings and practices. Are there areas where you’ve compromised or conformed to the world’s standards rather than Yahweh’s? Today, commit to taking one concrete step towards aligning your life more closely with Messiah’s example. This might mean adjusting your schedule to prioritize worship, or perhaps confronting a habitual sin. Remember, we’re not alone in this journey – Messiah’s sacrifice empowers us to live righteously.
Day 3: The Power of Yahweh’s Name
Reading: Exodus 3:13-15
Devotional: In a world filled with generic spirituality, the power of Yahweh’s personal name stands out. Reflect on what it means that the Creator of the universe has revealed His name to us. How does this impact your relationship with Him? Today, make a conscious effort to use Yahweh’s name reverently in your prayers and meditations. Let this practice deepen your sense of intimacy with Him and remind you of His unique identity among all the other mighty ones of this world. Consider how you can honor His name in your daily life and conversations with others.
Day 4: Overcoming in Trials
Reading: James 1:2-4
Devotional: Life as a believer isn’t always easy. We face trials, opposition, and sometimes even persecution for our faith. Yet, these challenges serve a purpose in our spiritual growth. Reflect on a current difficulty you’re facing. How might Yahweh be using this situation to refine your character or deepen your faith? Remember Messiah’s words that He has overcome the world. Today, choose to face your trials with joy, knowing that Yahweh is working through them to perfect your faith and draw you closer to Him.
Day 5: Preparing for the Kingdom
Reading: Matthew 6:9-13
Devotional: As we conclude this devotional series, let’s focus on the coming Kingdom of Yahweh. In Master’s Prayer, Yahshua taught us to pray for Yahweh’s Kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. How does this future hope shape your present reality? Today, consider how you can live as a citizen of Yahweh’s Kingdom right where you are. This might involve showing love to a difficult neighbor, speaking truth in a challenging situation, or simply approaching your daily tasks with a heavenly perspective. Let the promise of Yahweh’s coming reign inspire you to be an ambassador of His Kingdom in every aspect of your life.
