Gen 48:1‐49:33, Matt 15:29‐16:12, Ps 20:1‐9, Prov 4:20‐27

Matthew 16:6 Jesus said to them, “Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Watch – We are to be on the lookout for people who are teaching anything other than the message of Christ (Gal 1).

Beware – Be aware, to be on guard. We need to know that this kind of teaching is in the world and will try to attack us and the ones that we love.

Leaven – Websters defines leaven as: “a : a substance (as yeast) used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid; especially : sourdough b : a material (as baking powder) used to produce a gas that lightens dough or batter.” This teaching will affect everything around it. It may seem small initially, but it changes everything it touches.

The Pharisees and the Sadducees were teaching a legalistic interpretation of scripture. What are some practical ways for us to “watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees?”