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Beware The Leaven Of The Pharisees

(Mark 8:5) "And he charged them, saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod." Have you ever wondered why Jesus said both the leaven of Herod and the Pharisees? I believe it was simply because both sought the praise and approval of men over and above an obedience to God and his Word. The "leaven" spoken of in the above verse is a corruption of the mind and heart through pride and selfishness. It doesn't take much carnality to think like a self-centered person. Therefore, two types of leaven must be avoided. 1) Leaven of Hypocrisy and Pride. Because of these two leavens the Pharisees were lazy, puffed up, and doctrinally corrupt, refusing to repent and submit themselves to God's Word. Today, we still have people who reject God's authority and Word for the popularity and comfort of being accepted by men. This leaven causes many to be deceived by putting too much emphasis on the outward rather than on the inward heart. 2) Leaven of doubt and disbelief. Not only does unbelief tempt God, but it causes God to be angry because it hinders faith. Herod and the Pharisees both asked for signs and wonders as proof before they would believe in Jesus. Faith is trusting in God's Word without tangible evidence. According to Jesus, it only takes a little faith to move a mountain, but at the same time it only takes a little bit of leaven to ruin faith.

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