In these verses, Paul uses the example of leaven and the Feast of Unleavened Bread to exhort the Corinthians to remove the leaven which is changing the very nature of the whole church. In the context of the need to expel the man committing incest, if no action is taken and they continue in their boasting, the whole lump of dough will be tainted.

Paul expresses shock over their boasting given this serious problem. The imperative in these verses is “clean out” with the purpose of being a “new lump.” Paul tells them to become what they are in Christ, which is unleavened.

Those who are redeemed by the blood of the true Passover Lamb, Jesus Christ, are no longer unredeemed sinners. The reality of being new in Christ should cause strong motivation to get rid of the old wickedness that defines the lost. In other words, “become what you are.” In verse 8, Paul contrasts the old leaven as malice and wickedness with the new unleavened celebration which is sincerity and truth. This means the transparency of truly changed lives. Those who believe the Gospel are new creations in Christ.