NEW WINE IN NEW WINESKINS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Luke 5:36-39
Key Verse: “And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.” — Luke 5:37
Supporting Texts: Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 43:18-19, Ephesians 4:22-24, Hebrews 8:13
INTRODUCTION
God is a God of new things. Throughout Scripture, He continually reveals new dimensions of His power, purpose, and glory. However, one of the greatest challenges believers face is not God’s ability to do new things, but their readiness to receive them. Many desire new blessings while still holding on to old mindsets and patterns.
In Luke 5:36–39, Jesus used the illustration of new wine and old wineskins to teach a profound truth. New wine requires new wineskins because the fermentation process causes expansion. Old wineskins, being rigid and brittle, cannot accommodate this change. This analogy highlights the necessity of renewal in order to contain what God is doing.
This message is a call to spiritual transformation. If we are to experience the fullness of God’s new move, we must be willing to change, grow, and align ourselves with His will. Without renewal, we risk losing what God intends to pour into our lives.
1. GOD IS ALWAYS DOING A NEW THING
God’s nature is dynamic, and He continually moves in fresh ways.
a) A God of New Beginnings (Isaiah 43:19)
God declares that He is doing a new thing. He is not limited to past methods.
b) Fresh Moves of the Spirit (Acts 2:17)
God pours out His Spirit in new dimensions across generations.
c) Continuous Revelation (Proverbs 4:18)
The path of the righteous shines brighter, indicating progressive revelation.
d) New Seasons Require New Responses (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Each season demands a different approach and alignment.
Biblical Example: The shift from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant through Christ required a new understanding and relationship with God (Hebrews 8:6-13).
2. OLD WINESKINS REPRESENT LIMITING MINDSETS
Old wineskins symbolise outdated attitudes, habits, and beliefs that hinder growth.
a) Resistance to Change (Luke 5:39)
Many prefer the old because it is familiar, even when God is doing something new.
b) Tradition Over Truth (Mark 7:8)
Holding on to human traditions can limit the work of God.
c) Spiritual Stagnation (Hebrews 5:12)
Refusing to grow leads to immaturity and inability to receive deeper truths.
d) Unrenewed Mind (Romans 12:2)
Without transformation of the mind, new things cannot be sustained.
Biblical Example: The Pharisees rejected Jesus because they clung to old traditions and could not accept the new move of God (John 5:39-40).
3. NEW WINESKINS REQUIRE INNER RENEWAL
To receive God’s new move, there must be a transformation within.
a) Renewal of the Mind (Romans 12:2)
Transformation begins with a renewed way of thinking aligned with God’s Word.
b) Putting on the New Man (Ephesians 4:22-24)
Believers must put off the old self and embrace a new nature in Christ.
c) Yielding to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:25)
Walking in the Spirit ensures continuous renewal and growth.
d) Letting Go of the Past (Philippians 3:13)
Moving forward requires releasing past experiences and limitations.
Biblical Example: Saul became Paul after his encounter with Christ, demonstrating a complete transformation that enabled him to fulfil his new assignment (Acts 9:1-6).
4. PREPARED VESSELS PRESERVE AND SUSTAIN THE NEW
God entrusts new things to those who are prepared to handle them.
a) Capacity Determines Retention (Luke 5:37-38)
Only new wineskins can hold new wine without loss. Capacity matters.
b) Growth Enables Expansion (2 Peter 3:18)
Spiritual growth increases the ability to handle greater responsibility.
c) Stewardship of God’s Blessings (1 Corinthians 4:2)
Faithfulness is required to sustain what God gives.
d) Walking in Alignment (Amos 3:3)
Agreement with God ensures continuity of His work in your life.
Biblical Example: The disciples, after being renewed and empowered by the Holy Spirit, were able to carry and sustain the gospel message effectively (Acts 2:1-4).
CONCLUSION
God is ready to pour new wine into your life, new blessings, new opportunities, and new dimensions of His power. However, the question is whether you are prepared to receive it. Old mindsets, habits, and attitudes must be replaced with renewed thinking and spiritual growth.
Make a decision today to become a new wineskin. Embrace change, yield to the Holy Spirit, and align with God’s will. As you do, you will not only receive what God is doing but also sustain and multiply it for His glory.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, renew my mind to align with Your will in Jesus name.
2. Lord, remove every old mindset that limits my growth in Jesus name.
3. Holy Spirit, transform my life to become a vessel fit for Your purpose in Jesus name.
4. Father, help me to embrace the new things You are doing in my life in Jesus name.
5. Lord, give me the grace to let go of the past and move forward in Jesus name.
6. Father, increase my spiritual capacity to handle Your blessings in Jesus name.
7. Lord, help me to walk in alignment with Your Word and Spirit in Jesus name.
8. Father, make me a faithful steward of every blessing You give me in Jesus name.
9. Lord, let my life reflect continuous growth and transformation in Jesus name.
10. Father, let me not miss Your new move in my life in Jesus name.
