Table of Contents
This lesson explains the figurative meaning of yeast in the Bible. Yeast represents teachings or instructions. There are two types – God’s yeast (good teachings) and Satan’s yeast (bad teachings). At Jesus’ first coming, he warned against the “yeast” or teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which led to hypocrisy. Jesus brought the “new yeast” of truth and authority. Similarly, at the second coming, there will be a mixture of good and bad teachings that must be discerned. The lesson emphasizes being able to identify and follow God’s good spiritual teachings in order to be transformed into His image, while avoiding deceptive teachings that can lead astray. Examining the first coming provides wisdom for the second coming regarding this issue of discerning true teachings from false ones.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Yeast = Teachings or Instructions.
God’s Yeast and Satan’s Yeast
- Jesus’s teachings:
- Matthew 13:33 – He spoke another parable to them: “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three sata of flour until it was all leavened.
- Teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees:
- Matthew 16:6 – “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
- Matthew 16:11-12 – How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
- Hypocritical teachings
- Luke 12:1 – Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, He began saying to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
- Teachings that prioritize human traditions over God’s commandments:
- Mark 7:6-7 – He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Yeast
For those unaware, yeast is a bacteria used in breadmaking that causes dough to rise. It is also referred to as “leaven” in some Bible versions. The term “unleavened bread” also appears in the Bible, the meaning of which we will discuss soon.
Today, we will examine the figurative meaning of yeast:
Yeast means Teachings or Instructions.
Discerning between implies there are two kinds. We should discern between yeast and become an example of ‘good yeast’ at the time of the second coming. Going forward in the class we will understand what good yeast means. It’s a term we’ll use frequently.
Let’s strive to be good, yeast-like people. Let’s seek to understand what that means.
Figurative Yeast
Main Reference:
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
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The kingdom of Heaven is like a woman who makes yeast into a large amount of flour, until it permeates throughout the dough in three containers. As referenced in the footnotes of your Bible, three sattas represents three containers. We will learn about the figurative meaning of containers soon. So a woman takes yeast and mixes it into three sattas, or a large quantity of flour, until it spreads through the entire dough.
What does this parable represent? Remember, if someone asks what heaven looks like, the correct response is: a woman who mixes yeast into dough. That is the appropriate answer. Interesting. So let’s understand what the yeast symbolizes by examining its physical traits.
1. Physical Characteristics of Yeast
1. As mentioned at the beginning, yeast is similar to bacteria. It is used to make things change or rise. These two key functions of yeast – causing change and rise – are very important.
2. Yeast is also used in the making of bread sometimes. When it is used to make bread, that bread becomes leavened or leaven bread. When it is not used to make bread, it is called unleavened bread. If you’re familiar with Jewish history, there were many times when God asked the people to eat bread made without yeast. That was important to understand.
Remember why we go over physical characteristics? What is the verse that we use that talks about physical characteristics? Romans 1:20 is so important. What’s the summary of Romans 1:20? God’s creation explains Him. The physical things that He made explain God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature. Creation explains God.
So God created yeast for a reason, to teach us something specific.
In summary, the most important aspect of yeast is that it causes change, very important for today.
2. Spiritual Meaning of Yeast
Let’s now focus our attention on Matthew 16:6-12. Allow me to provide some context. This passage comes shortly after Jesus performed the miraculous feeding of the 5,000. Keep this event in mind as you read:
6 “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
7 They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
8 Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” 12 Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
This passage comes after Jesus fed 4,000 people with seven loaves of bread. Afterwards, as the disciples were with Jesus, he told them “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” The disciples mistakenly thought physically, failing to grasp Jesus’ figurative language, as was often the case even later in Matthew 16. Jesus rebukes them, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread?”
He is not saying their faith is too small and needs to grow. Rather, Jesus is noting their lack of understanding. He often had to explain and teach the disciples to increase their comprehension, which would then increase their faith. So for our faith to grow, our understanding must grow first.
Let’s look at what Jesus means here by “yeast.” He tells the disciples to be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. At the time, there were several denominations of Judaism. The two largest were the Pharisees and Sadducees. There were also the Essenes, Zealots, and others. Together they formed the Sanhedrin, the council of religious leaders.
The Pharisees and Sadducees had very different beliefs though. For instance, the Sadducees only considered the first five books of the Old Testament as scripture. This meant they rejected many Pharisee teachings. Despite their differences, they united against their common enemy Jesus, as tends to happen with those lacking truth.
In verse 12, after Jesus rebukes them, the disciples realize he was not warning about literal yeast, but the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The “yeast” represents their teachings. Jesus is telling the disciples to be on guard against accepting such teaching.
Reminder:
Yeast: Teachings / Instructions
So let’s understand their teachings more.
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be[a] on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Now we have another understanding. This is why it’s so important to read all the gospels, because they give you a complete understanding of what Jesus was saying.
What did he say about their teachings? Were they yeast, hypocrisy?
What did the Pharisees like to do? The Pharisees liked to put on a show. They would dress in the finest clothes, deck themselves out in the finest wares, take the highest seats in any gathering, enter first, and be welcomed again.
In other words, the Pharisees were very hypocritical. And when it came to truly understanding the word, they did not. They would also rebuke those who they felt did not understand it in the way that they understood. And Jesus had to rebuke them many times for this hypocrisy.
So if someone follows the teachings of the Pharisees and the Sadducees, they too will become hypocritical. They too will change into being more like that. Let me show you an example.
Reminder:
Their Yeast ——> Hypocrisy
We will read a few verses here that really exemplify the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
“Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to.
What did Jesus say? “Woe to you,” Jesus warned. “Woe” means to be cursed. He was cursing the religious hypocrites of his day – the teachers of the law. He criticized how they would travel far and wide to make a single convert, yet their converts would become twice as corrupt as them. So these were the types of religious leaders that Jesus contended with during his time. Let’s examine how else Jesus portrayed these people and their teachings.
6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
“‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.
7 They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Jesus was quoted in Isaiah 29, which is why I referenced this passage first. He gives us the contents. What was said – man’s teachings, rules, and traditions are all the Pharisees and Sadducees had. They often valued their own traditions over the word of God, which is hypocrisy.
So their teachings, rules, and traditions were the ‘yeast’ Jesus refers to. Yeast symbolizes instructions and teachings. We want good yeast, not bad yeast, on our side.
To be clear, the Pharisees and Sadducees were not non-believers – they were the religious leaders of that time. Yet they had to be rebuked for the things they taught the people of Israel, which pulled people’s hearts far from God. This is why God had to send His Son Jesus to save them and to save us.
so we’ve looked at how the Pharisees very yeast Was their teachings and instructions. Which led people into hypocrisy, because they themselves were hypocrisal So let’s now look at the two types of yeast, now that we’ve covered that there is a bad kind of yeast.
3. Two Types of Yeast
There is God’s yeast. And there is Satan’s yeast.
Yeast causes change.
One who receives God’s yeast will change into being more in God’s image – being remade into God’s likeness. But one who receives Satan’s yeast will be made in Satan’s image – a child of hell, as Jesus said (Matthew 23:15).
So which image do we want to be formed into? Let’s be remade into God’s image by receiving good yeast. What then is the yeast we need to receive? What was the yeast given at Jesus’ first coming? And what yeast is going to be given in our time now?
There’s always a distinction when good yeast appears, And people will take note.
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”
The people encountered a new Teaching and were amazed, asking “What is this? A new teaching with authority?” It was different than what the teachers of the law taught. Let’s examine the differences between these teachings at that time.
The teachers of the law essentially taught the “old yeast”, sealed Word – the Old Testament – along with their own biases and opinions mixed in. Their teaching lacked freshness and authority. This old teaching was what people were accustomed to receiving for a long time.
But when Jesus came, he taught something new and alive (new yeast), with authority. His teaching was like the Word coming unlocked after being sealed for years.
Jesus taught the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s first coming. This was powerful and inspiring. The Pharisees and Sadducees could only teach prophecy and human doctrines, but Jesus taught how the prophecies were being fulfilled, which was refreshing to people. And he did so with authority.
One with the truth is able to speak it clearly and boldly. When people listened to Jesus’s teachings, they were compelled to change as well.
21 when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
You were taught to put off your old self, which has been corrupted by sin and evil desires – the old human nature and man’s faulty thinking. Instead, you were instructed to put on your new self of righteousness and holiness, a self renewed and transformed for the better.
This is the advice Paul gave to those newly introduced to the Gospel of Jesus – a message with the power to transform lives. But merely hearing the Gospel is not enough. To experience lasting change, one must continually put these teachings into practice.
It’s like physical exercise. You can work out diligently for years, but one year of inactivity can erase that hard work. To maintain fitness, you must exercise consistently for life. Similarly, to experience the Gospel’s transformative power, you must continually apply God’s Word in your life.
Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
What happens to one who stops listening to instructions? They stray from knowledge and understanding. The knowledge that can continue to guide them falters.
Through wisdom and discernment, many are saved. But those who reject wisdom fall into hardship. So when Jesus was teaching and offering new instruction, this was the very knowledge people needed to be saved. As you have come to know and understand Christ, so you too can find salvation.
However, not all listened to Jesus’s message. Of course, at that time, many instead clung to old ways of thinking, similar to what Jesus referenced when he spoke of old wine versus new wine – but more on that another day.
So, let us examine why spiritual discernment in our age remains crucial. For there is a false teaching prophesied to appear that we must reject. It is referenced in the book of Revelation.
14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans.
During the time of the second coming, two significant entities are mentioned: Balaam and the Nicolaitans. We will explore them in greater detail in upcoming lessons. To provide a brief summary:
Balaam, an Old Testament figure, collaborated with another individual named Balak to deceive the Israelites and lead them into sin. However, Balaam and Balak have been deceased for thousands of years. So, will they physically return to life during the fulfillment of Revelation? The answer is no.
Instead, someone will emerge who resembles Balaam, engaging in similar actions as Balaam did in the past. This concept suggests that Balaam serves as a parable.
Similarly, the Nicolaitans will be discussed in more detail. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the teachings associated with Balaam represent the teachings of Satan, often referred to as “Satan’s yeast.” To avoid consuming this harmful teaching, it’s essential to first understand its nature.
Therefore, let’s diligently study and enhance our discernment to prevent ourselves from unintentionally embracing these deceptive teachings.
3. Yeast at the First Coming and the Second Coming
ONE – So, let’s look at Jesus’s Yeast at the first time.
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Who Delivers the New Yeast?
The one who delivers the new yeast is the one who comes to bring something new. This person will be the true standard for a smooth and swift transformation. The first coming of this person was Jesus, and the disciples were thrilled when they realized who he was.
The yeast that Jesus gave was his words and teachings, and he focused primarily on explaining the prophecies of the Old Testament and fulfilling them during his first coming. Jesus taught about treating others as you want to be treated, asking and receiving, seeking and finding, and blessing the meek.
However, Jesus didn’t stop at history and moral teachings; he also delved into deeper subjects. These deeper teachings were in line with the prophecies, and they included the profound meaning behind treating others the way you want to be treated, as mentioned in Matthew chapter 7.
The rest of the Jews needed to be taught these deeper truths as well, such as the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and how Isaiah’s prophecies about them were accurate. Jesus had to teach them about the deeper aspects of his work, including his crucifixion, which he initially resisted but ultimately accepted as part of his mission to fulfill his Father’s words.
The real substance and significance of Jesus’ teachings lie in these deeper revelations, as they go beyond human thoughts and traditions to provide divine wisdom and guidance.
TWO – The second coming will be similar.
45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? 46 It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions.
Who is the discerning and prudent servant, who will give the other servants their food at the proper time? This refers to the revealed word or revelation, as Revelation 2:17 mentions hidden manna. Jesus will expect this type of person to provide true spiritual nourishment.
So what does this mean? It is New Testament prophecy that must be fulfilled at the time of the Second Coming. This type of teaching will catalyze transformation – the ideal kind of change.
Memorization
Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
The disciples realized Jesus was telling them to be on guard against the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Yeast is an agent of change. It is used to make bread rise. And the more yeast present, the more change takes place. The yeast of the Pharisees was hypocrisy – hypocrisy that transformed people into being more like Satan. Unfortunately, the Pharisees and Sadducees were once believers, but they did not have the true word with them.
This kind of false teaching and instruction must be safeguarded against at all costs. Things have not really changed much since Jesus said this. The teachers of the law could only provide outdated human understanding, while Jesus brought new teaching with authority – teaching that assists us in being transformed into our new selves, letting go of the old and embracing the new.
But at the second coming, teachings like those of Balaam and the Nicolaitans will appear, and we need to be able to identify them to avoid them. For those who ingest this kind of teaching will become that kind of image. Let’s not do that. Rather, let’s partake of the teaching provided by the one God and Jesus are working through, who cares for his people like a shepherd.
Well, like David for example – God saw his heart and selected this young shepherd boy to lead his people. I pray everyone is under the care of this kind of shepherd, who provides nourishing teaching that brings about positive change in all of us.
Review with the Evangelist
Review
Title of Today’s Lesson: Secrets of Heaven – Figurative Yeast
Why are we learning about yeast? Yeast represents teachings or instruction. We need to discern between good and bad teachings that we receive.
In Matthew 13:33, Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast that a woman mixes into flour. There are two types of “yeast” – God’s yeast (good teachings) and Satan’s yeast (bad teachings). We must be able to tell the difference.
To better grasp our present times, let’s consider the first coming. Who was the promised Shepherd then? Who possessed God’s yeast? Jesus had the yeast of God, or the yeast of Heaven, at the first coming. He cautioned his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Now, were the Pharisees and Sadducees believers or non-believers?
They were believers in God, responsible for teaching the Jewish people about God at that time. Jesus warned his disciples about the teachings from those appointed to educate the congregation.
At the first coming, Jesus alerted his disciples to be wary of the religious leaders’ yeast. Why? What was wrong with it?
Their teachings were not divine but stemmed from human reasoning and even hypocrisy.
This will also happen at Jesus’ Second Coming, as prophesied in Revelation 2. While good food/teachings will be given, bad teachings will be mixed in too. But Jesus promises to send a Shepherd who will give proper teachings.
So the reason we learn this lesson is to discern in our time between God’s good spiritual teachings and Satan’s bad teachings. We must be careful what we take in so that we are transformed into God’s image rather than Satan’s. As at the first coming, the second coming will have this mixture of good and bad teachings that we must be able to differentiate between. That is why we study examples from the first coming – to prepare us for the second.
The key question to ask: How does this lesson help me discern good teachings from bad? Why do I need to learn this? The answer: So I can take in proper teachings to be transformed into God’s image and avoid teachings that lead me astray.
Review in Small Group
Review
Title: Secret of Heaven – Figurative Yeast
Our hope is that you discern between types of yeast and become an example of “good yeast.” At the time of the second coming, our main reference was Matthew Chapter 13, Verse 33. The kingdom of heaven is like yeast.
What is this? Yeast physically changes and rises, making leavened bread. We also read Romans 1:20, which says God uses the physical things in the world to explain the spiritual. Spiritual yeast represents teachings and/or instructions. We also read Matthew 16:6-12.
Through these verses, we see Jesus warning his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Luke 12:1 calls this “Satan’s yeast” and explains why we should stay away from it, because it will cause our spirits to die. Not only is there Satan’s yeast, but also God’s yeast.
God’s yeast represents the open word, new teachings, and godly men’s teachings that transform our hearts into the likeness of God, as explained in Ephesians 4:21-24. It says to put away your old self, or “old yeast”, and put on the new self, or “new yeast.”
Now, let’s look at the first and second comings. At the first coming, John 1:45 says Philip told Nathanael “We have found the one Moses and the prophets wrote about in the law, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Jesus is the true Shepherd who has the good yeast – words of teaching = open word.
The Pharisees and Sadducees had the bad yeast, and Jesus warned us about this in Matthew 16. At the time of the second coming, Matthew 24:45-47, Jesus asks “Who is the faithful and wise servant who will be put in charge and give food at the proper time?”
We want to stay away from the bad yeast, or Satan’s yeast, because if we ingest it, our spirits will die. The last verse we read was Revelation 2:17, which says that if we keep eating the good yeast, we can overcome any situation. We should use our ears to listen and we will receive the hidden manna.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Exploring the Spiritual Significance of Yeast
I. Introduction: Unveiling the Figurative Meaning of Yeast
- A. The Importance of Yeast: This section introduces the concept of yeast as a symbol of teachings or instructions, emphasizing the need to discern between good and bad yeast.
- B. Building on Previous Lessons: This section connects the current lesson to the previous one, reminding readers that “food” represents “the word” and highlighting the parallel between spiritual and physical nourishment.
II. Examining the Parable of Yeast in Matthew 13:33
- A. The Kingdom of Heaven as Yeast: This section analyzes the parable of yeast and its symbolic representation of the Kingdom of Heaven spreading throughout the world.
- B. Understanding the Physical Traits of Yeast: This section explores the physical characteristics of yeast—its ability to cause change and rise—and connects these traits to its spiritual meaning.
III. Unmasking the Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees
- A. The Warning in Matthew 16:6-12: This section examines Jesus’s warning to his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees, highlighting the disciples’ initial misunderstanding and Jesus’s clarification.
- B. Understanding the Pharisees and Sadducees: This section provides context about the Pharisees and Sadducees, noting their different beliefs and their united opposition to Jesus.
- C. The Yeast as Hypocrisy: This section reveals the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees as their hypocrisy, focusing on their outward show of righteousness and their disregard for God’s word.
- D. Examples of Pharisaic Hypocrisy: This section analyzes biblical verses that illustrate the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Sadducees, contrasting their actions with their claims of piety.
IV. Discerning Between Two Types of Yeast
- A. God’s Yeast vs. Satan’s Yeast: This section introduces the concept of two types of yeast—God’s yeast, representing good teachings, and Satan’s yeast, representing bad teachings—emphasizing the different outcomes they produce.
- B. The Importance of Receiving Good Yeast: This section stresses the importance of receiving God’s yeast to be transformed into His image, contrasting it with the negative transformation caused by Satan’s yeast.
V. Exploring the Yeast at the First and Second Coming
- A. Jesus’s Yeast at the First Coming: This section identifies Jesus as the one who delivered the “new yeast” at the first coming, highlighting his teachings as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and emphasizing their power to transform lives.
- B. The Importance of Continual Application: This section uses the analogy of physical exercise to emphasize the need to consistently apply God’s teachings for lasting transformation.
- C. The Consequences of Rejecting Instruction: This section warns about the consequences of neglecting God’s instructions, emphasizing the importance of heeding His wisdom.
- D. The Yeast at the Second Coming: This section connects the concept of yeast to the Second Coming, referencing Matthew 24:45-47 and Revelation 2:17 to highlight the importance of discerning between true and false teachings during this time.
- E. The False Teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans: This section introduces the prophesied false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans, urging readers to study and develop discernment to avoid being deceived.
VI. Conclusion: The Urgency of Discernment
- A. The Need for Spiritual Discernment: This section summarizes the lesson’s key points, emphasizing the urgency of discerning between good and bad teachings to be transformed into God’s image and avoid the harmful effects of Satan’s yeast.
- B. Applying the Lesson to the Second Coming: This section connects the lesson to the present time, urging readers to apply the principles learned to discern between true and false teachings during the Second Coming, just as the disciples were warned to do at the First Coming.
- C. The Importance of Receiving the Right Teachings: This section concludes by emphasizing the importance of receiving the right teachings to ensure positive transformation and prepare for the Second Coming.
VII. Review: Key Points and Takeaways
- A. Summary of the Lesson’s Title and Purpose: This section reiterates the title and purpose of the lesson, reminding readers of the key concepts explored.
- B. Recap of Key Scriptures and Their Significance: This section summarizes the main biblical references used in the lesson, highlighting their relevance to the concept of spiritual yeast.
- C. Final Emphasis on Discernment and Transformation: This section concludes by reiterating the need for discernment between good and bad teachings, emphasizing the ultimate goal of being transformed into God’s image.
A Study Guide
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Yeast Study Guide
Glossary of Key Terms
- Yeast: A single-celled fungus that causes fermentation. Figuratively, it represents teachings or instructions.
- Leaven: Another term for yeast, often used in biblical contexts.
- Unleavened Bread: Bread made without yeast, often symbolizing purity or simplicity.
- Pharisees: A Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the law and their emphasis on ritual purity.
- Sadducees: Another Jewish sect that rejected many of the Pharisees’ beliefs and only accepted the first five books of the Old Testament as scripture.
- Hypocrisy: The act of pretending to have moral standards or beliefs that one does not actually possess.
- New Yeast/Old Yeast: Metaphors for new and old teachings, respectively. New yeast represents fresh revelation and understanding, while old yeast represents outdated or stagnant teachings.
- Balaam: An Old Testament prophet who was hired to curse the Israelites but was ultimately used by God to bless them. Figuratively, Balaam represents those who distort God’s teachings for personal gain.
- Nicolaitans: A group mentioned in the book of Revelation that held heretical teachings. Their teachings are not fully known, but they are condemned in scripture.
- Hidden Manna: Spiritual nourishment promised to those who overcome in Revelation 2:17. It symbolizes the deeper truths and rewards available to faithful believers.
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What is the figurative meaning of yeast in the Bible?
- What is the difference between leavened and unleavened bread in a biblical context?
- What was the warning Jesus gave to his disciples about the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
- What is the connection between yeast and the concept of change?
- How does the parable of the woman mixing yeast into dough illustrate the Kingdom of Heaven?
- What are the characteristics of “God’s yeast”?
- What are the characteristics of “Satan’s yeast”?
- How did Jesus’ teachings differ from the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
- Why is spiritual discernment crucial, especially in light of the teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans?
- How can we apply the lessons learned about “figurative yeast” to our lives today?
Answer Key
- Yeast, in a figurative sense, represents teachings or instructions. It symbolizes the ideas and doctrines that influence our spiritual growth and development.
- Leavened bread is bread made with yeast, which causes it to rise. Unleavened bread is made without yeast and often represents purity or simplicity. In a biblical context, leavened bread can symbolize the influence of teachings, while unleavened bread symbolizes a lack of such influence.
- Jesus warned his disciples to be wary of the teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, which he compared to yeast. He cautioned them that these teachings could corrupt their faith and lead them astray.
- Yeast is an agent of change. It causes dough to rise and transform. Similarly, teachings and instructions can have a transformative effect on our beliefs and behavior, leading to either positive or negative change.
- The parable of the woman mixing yeast into dough illustrates the subtle but pervasive influence of the Kingdom of Heaven. Just as yeast spreads throughout the dough, the Kingdom of Heaven gradually but powerfully transforms individuals and the world.
- “God’s yeast” refers to teachings that are rooted in truth, love, and righteousness. These teachings bring about positive transformation, leading individuals towards holiness and a deeper relationship with God. They are characterized by authority, authenticity, and the power to renew.
- “Satan’s yeast” refers to false teachings, hypocrisy, and doctrines that lead people away from God. These teachings corrupt and deceive, hindering spiritual growth and ultimately leading to spiritual death.
- Jesus’ teachings differed from those of the Pharisees and Sadducees in that they were filled with authority and focused on the spirit of the law rather than just the letter of the law. Jesus emphasized love, mercy, and a genuine connection with God, while the Pharisees and Sadducees often emphasized external rituals and legalistic interpretations.
- Spiritual discernment is crucial because false teachings, like those attributed to Balaam and the Nicolaitans, can easily deceive those who are not careful. By carefully examining teachings against the truth of Scripture and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, we can avoid being led astray.
- We can apply the lessons about “figurative yeast” by being mindful of the teachings we receive and carefully evaluating them against the truth of God’s Word. We should seek out teachings that promote spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God, while rejecting teachings that are based on hypocrisy, legalism, or false doctrine.
Additional Questions
1. What is the true meaning of figurative yeast?
– yeast = teachings and instructions (Matthew 16:6,12)
2. What are the 2 types of yeast and their effects on us?
– God’s yeast —-> God’s image
– Satan’s yeast —- > Satan’s image
3. What is the yeast believers need at the time of the second coming?
– Hidden Manna, Food at the Proper Time, FATPT (Matthew 24:45-47)
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson primarily focuses on interpreting biblical parables and teachings, making a strict chronological timeline difficult. However, we can trace the broad historical and theological progression:
Old Testament Era:
- Time of Balaam: Balaam, an Old Testament prophet, deceives the Israelites into sin. This event serves as a warning against false teachings.
- Isaiah’s Prophecies: The prophet Isaiah foretells the hypocrisy of future religious leaders.
New Testament Era (Jesus’ First Coming):
- Ministry of Jesus: Jesus begins teaching, offering “new yeast” – fresh interpretations and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- Conflict with Pharisees and Sadducees: Jesus challenges the established religious authorities, criticizing their hypocrisy and legalistic interpretations (“old yeast”).
- Feeding of the 5,000 and 4,000: Jesus performs miracles, highlighting the difference between spiritual and physical nourishment.
- Warning Against False Teachings: Jesus warns his disciples against the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees, emphasizing the importance of discerning true teachings.
Present Era:
- Study and Application of the Word: Believers are encouraged to continuously apply God’s Word (“good yeast”) to their lives for spiritual growth and transformation.
Future (Second Coming):
- Appearance of False Teachings: The teachings of figures like Balaam and the Nicolaitans will reemerge, representing “Satan’s yeast.”
- Ministry of the Faithful Servant: A “faithful and wise servant” will provide spiritual nourishment (“good yeast”) by revealing and interpreting New Testament prophecies.
Cast of Characters
1. Jesus:
- The central figure of the New Testament.
- He is presented as the promised Messiah, bringing “new yeast” – fresh interpretations and fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
- He challenges the religious authorities of his time and emphasizes discerning true teachings.
2. The Disciples:
- Jesus’ followers who often struggle to understand his teachings.
- They represent believers who are learning to discern between “good” and “bad” spiritual food.
3. The Pharisees:
- A prominent Jewish sect known for their strict adherence to the Law and their elaborate rituals.
- Jesus criticizes their hypocrisy and legalistic interpretations, referring to their teachings as “bad yeast.”
4. The Sadducees:
- Another influential Jewish sect that differed from the Pharisees in their beliefs and interpretations.
- They rejected the oral tradition upheld by the Pharisees and did not believe in the resurrection.
- Like the Pharisees, their teachings are considered “bad yeast” by Jesus.
5. Balaam:
- An Old Testament prophet who, despite receiving divine messages, ultimately deceives the Israelites.
- His story is presented as a cautionary tale against false prophets and deceptive teachings.
6. The Nicolaitans:
- A group mentioned in the Book of Revelation associated with false teachings and practices.
- Their specific beliefs and actions are not fully detailed in the source.
7. The Faithful and Wise Servant:
- A figure prophesied to appear during the Second Coming.
- This servant will provide spiritual nourishment (“good yeast”) by revealing and interpreting New Testament prophecies.
8. Isaiah:
- An Old Testament prophet who foretells the hypocrisy of future religious leaders, echoing Jesus’ criticism of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
Overview
Overview: Figurative Yeast in the Bible
Main Theme: This lesson uses the metaphor of yeast to discuss the importance of discerning between good and bad teachings, both in Biblical times and in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.
Key Ideas/Facts:
- Yeast symbolizes teachings or instructions. Just as yeast causes dough to rise and change, teachings influence and transform individuals.
- There are two types of yeast: God’s yeast and Satan’s yeast. God’s yeast represents true teachings that nourish and lead to spiritual growth, while Satan’s yeast represents false teachings that corrupt and lead astray.
- The Pharisees and Sadducees, despite being religious leaders, exemplified “bad yeast” through their hypocrisy and adherence to human traditions over God’s Word. Jesus warned his disciples to be on guard against their teachings.
- “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:6)
- “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces.” (Matthew 23:13)
- Jesus, at his first coming, brought “good yeast” in the form of his teachings, which fulfilled Old Testament prophecies and revealed deeper truths. His teachings had the authority to transform lives.
- “The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.” (Mark 1:22)
- At the Second Coming, discerning between good and bad teachings remains crucial. False teachings, symbolized by figures like Balaam and the Nicolaitans, will emerge.
- “Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin…” (Revelation 2:14)
- The lesson emphasizes the importance of being under the care of a “good shepherd” who provides nourishing teachings that lead to positive change. This shepherd symbolizes a teacher or leader who guides individuals towards God’s truth.
- “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time?” (Matthew 24:45)
Quotes:
- “God’s creation explains Him. The physical things that He made explain God’s invisible qualities – His eternal power and divine nature.” (Romans 1:20 paraphrase)
- “The “yeast” represents their teachings. Jesus is telling the disciples to be on guard against accepting such teaching.”
- “Yeast symbolizes instructions and teachings. We want good yeast, not bad yeast, on our side.”
- “To experience the Gospel’s transformative power, you must continually apply God’s Word in your life.”
- “Let’s diligently study and enhance our discernment to prevent ourselves from unintentionally embracing these deceptive teachings.”
Conclusion: The lesson urges individuals to be discerning about the teachings they receive, recognizing that just as yeast can either nourish or corrupt, teachings can either lead to spiritual growth or deviation. By understanding the figurative meaning of yeast, individuals can prepare themselves to identify and embrace God’s teachings while rejecting harmful influences, particularly in anticipation of the Second Coming.
Q&A
Q&A: Figurative Yeast in the Bible
1. What does “yeast” symbolize in the Bible?
Yeast, also known as leaven, symbolizes teachings or instructions. This symbolism emphasizes the transformative power of teachings, which can either nourish and uplift the spirit (God’s yeast) or corrupt and lead to spiritual death (Satan’s yeast).
2. Why did Jesus warn his disciples about the “yeast” of the Pharisees and Sadducees?
Jesus warned his disciples about the Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ yeast because their teachings were hypocritical and rooted in human tradition rather than God’s Word. Their teachings, while appearing outwardly righteous, lacked true substance and ultimately led people away from God.
3. What is the difference between “God’s yeast” and “Satan’s yeast”?
God’s yeast refers to teachings that align with God’s Word and bring about positive transformation, leading individuals towards righteousness and holiness. Satan’s yeast, on the other hand, represents false teachings and deceptive doctrines that corrupt the spirit and lead people astray from God’s truth.
4. How can we discern between good and bad teachings?
Discerning between good and bad teachings requires careful study of the Bible, prayer, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit. It involves comparing teachings against the foundational truths of Scripture and evaluating their impact on our spiritual growth and relationship with God.
5. What is the significance of “yeast” at the first coming of Jesus?
At Jesus’ first coming, he brought new yeast – fresh, authoritative teachings that revealed the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and offered a path to salvation. His teachings challenged the existing religious structures and offered a transformative message of love, grace, and truth.
6. What is the importance of “yeast” at the second coming of Jesus?
At the second coming, it is prophesied that both good and bad teachings will be prevalent. Jesus promises to send a faithful servant who will provide nourishing spiritual food – representing true teachings – to guide his people. We must be vigilant in discerning between these teachings to avoid being led astray by false doctrines.
7. How can understanding the concept of “figurative yeast” help us in our spiritual lives today?
Understanding the concept of “figurative yeast” equips us to be discerning consumers of spiritual teachings. It encourages us to examine teachings critically, compare them to Scripture, and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to determine their authenticity and impact on our spiritual growth.
8. What is the ultimate goal of consuming “good yeast”?
The ultimate goal of consuming “good yeast” is to be transformed into the image of God, growing in righteousness, holiness, and spiritual maturity. By embracing teachings that align with God’s Word, we can experience positive change in our lives and draw closer to God.