Jumpstarter 7 of 10

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Question 7

The chapter warns that if one member becomes “spiritually infected,” it can spread: “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6). What kinds of “leaven” are most contagious in a congregation, and how do you distinguish between protecting the body and becoming suspicious, controlling, or harsh?

Another way to ask: What sinful attitudes or behaviors spread fastest in a church (the “leaven” idea)? How can a church guard the group without becoming harsh, controlling, or suspicious?

Direct Answer The transcript’s main point is that spiritual infection is communal, so the church should practice loving accountability to protect the whole body; it doesn’t specify particular “leavens,” but it frames protection as care, not harsh control.

Support from Transcript:

He states the danger: “If he becomes spiritually infected, his infection could spread to other members of the local body.”
He quotes Paul: “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (1 Cor. 5:6).
His body analogy emphasizes shared vulnerability: infection entering through the “left foot” threatens the whole body.
The aim is not suspicion but “the same care for one another” (1 Cor. 12).
The church is to “watch over each other in love,” describing the tone of accountability.
Leaders’ oversight is meant for members’ profit: obedience makes their work “joy” not “grief.”

Discussion Follow-ups Since the transcript doesn’t list specific contagious sins or attitudes, identify examples in your setting, then test them against his standard: does our response look like “care… in love” or like control?

Jumpstarter 7 of 10