Day 141/260: Read Matthew 16

In Matthew 13:33, Jesus taught a parable and compared the kingdom of heaven to leaven. In that instance, the leaven was seen as a good thing, as the positive influence the child of God exerts on the wicked world all around him.

Conversely, leaven can also be a bad thing. In this chapter, Jesus warns, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Though the apostles did not fully understand the Master’s saying at first, they finally figured out that He was talking about “the doctrine of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

We must be cautious that we do not fall into the trap of letting “just a little” false teaching to creep into the church. Once it starts, it is very difficult to get rid of it. Once the leaven goes into the dough, it will affect the entire batch.

If the leaven is a positive thing, such as in the parable of Matthew 13, then there is no problem. But if the leaven is a negative thing, whether it be false teaching or a poor attitude, the church will face great difficulty.

Little sin grows into bigger sin; a little false teaching grows into bigger false teaching. The influence of the church will be hindered if the truth is compromised.

Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)

Matthew 16:26. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

Pray

Pray for the purity of the doctrine being taught in your local congregation, comparing everything to the inspired Word. Pray for the preacher laboring in your area.