NEW CLOTHES ON OLD COAT__ MATT 9:16-17
NEW WINE IN OLD SKIN__LUKE 5: 36-39
TEXT.
Luke 5:36 “He told them this parable: "No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. 37 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. 38 No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. 39 And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, `The old is better.’ "
INTRODUCTION
Can All Things Be New? Well for many there is certainly a need for renewal. Many of us are reminded at New Year that we need to make change! A New Years resolution to loose weight quit smoking or perhaps read the bible more. But is dramatic change possible? For some reason most people will fight against change and some will even put up forceful resistance arguing that it is better the devil you know than the one you don’t When people claim to change, others are sceptical, particularly when someone claims a spiritual rebirth. We read so often about public figures that have claimed a spiritual rebirth and it’s usually a gimmick in order to take the heat off of something they may have done in order that the consequences of there actions may be lessened This transformation often happens while criminals are awaiting sentence or seeking parole. [Theologians might consider studying the relationship between loving God and fearing a judge.] I have also heard it said, "When the going gets tough, the tough get religion." Often, dramatic change isn’t a wish, but an absolute necessity. How many times do we here of government leaders or political figures that have been overthrown because they couldn’t implement change fast enough. The Bible says people can, and must, change. John 3:3 “In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. "
A Chinese general put it this way. "If the world is to be brought to order, my nation must first be changed. If my nation is to be changed, my hometown must be made over. If my hometown is to be reordered, my family must first be set right. If my family is to be regenerated, I myself must first be." Conversion may start small, but it has a big impact. Don’t set our limits on what God can do or on what he may want us to do.
UNDERSTANDING THE PARABLE
To understand the parable, we must understand the process of fermenting wine in the skins of goats. After the flesh and bones were removed from the inside of the goat the skin was tanned over fires of acacia wood. Then the openings were sewn shut, the neck of the goat was used for the spout, and unfermented grape juice was poured in. Afterwards the neck was sewn shut and the fermentation process began. Only a new wineskin would have the capacity to stretch during the process of fermentation and not break until the process was finished. If new wine was put in an old wineskin, because the leather skin was dry and cracked, it would probably split and both the wine and the skin would be lost. Therefore, the making of the wine required new wine in new skins for successful change to take place. Matt 9:17 “Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” Jesus emphasized that change must first occur internally before external changes should be made. Like old wineskins, the Pharisees had become too rigid in their lifestyle and in their traditions; they could not accept Jesus because he would not be bound by the rules they themselves had set. It was time for change where new approaches, new traditions and new structures were required. We as Christians today must be on our guard that we don’t allow our hearts to become so rigid that we become unable to accept new ways and new approaches. We can become stale, mouldy and unpalatable and even the lost will find us undesirable; this applies particularly to our church meetings and ministries that are sometimes so structured that they prevent the Holy Spirit manifesting himself. -Our hearts must remain pliable so that we can accept new ways of thinking, new ideas and new methods. The new wine is the Gospel of Christ and the power of the Spirit. The new wine skins are those who become a new creation in Christ by being born again. 2Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!! It is not good enough just to believe in Christ, we must do as He tells us and that is what the practical and moral teachings of the New Testament are all about.
OLD VERSES NEW
Why do we resist ? Well for many; its because we feel safer when things have been tried and tested Ecc 1:9-10 What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.10 Is there anything of which one can say, "Look! This is something new"? It was here already, long ago; it was here before our time. New is not necessarily better, and is always suspect. Luke 5:39 And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, `The old is better.’ "
Jesus tells us in Luke 5:37-38 that the old and the new don’t mix-and shouldn’t but what He was giving us was something totally new; something fresh and exciting Roman. 7:6 But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
CONCLUSION
If we are to meet the needs of the lost, the unaware and those that are searching; both individually and collectively we must be open to newness. How many times I wonder have you heard the saying "we tried it and it didn’t work". I believe its time we asked ourselves; when was it tried and why didn’t it work?
Jesus did not come into the world to repair the broken down religion of the day. He showed no concern for preserving or conserving their traditions or practices. Instead He was concerned about making people new from the inside out.
As Christians we all face the questions of whom and what God wants us to be in this world. Consider the account of the Salvation Army sending out officers in 1860 to become missionaries in America. Just before departure from England, one of the officers prayed for them saying, "Lord, these leaders are going to America to preach the Gospel. If they are fully given up to Thee, be with them and bless them and grant them success. But if they are not faithful, drown them, Lord; drown them.
HOW TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE
A number of conservative people do not trust new innovations as there conservative orientations makes them less willing to change. They gain security from their traditions. They are generally comfortable in "that old time religion". For this reason, many of their movements eventually wax and wane with the passing ages. Without an ability to remain relevant, con-temporary, and adaptive to the changing needs of the people, some conservatives miss opportunities to impact society. The following list is useful in helping security-obsessed people to see how Jesus Christ made major changes. We need to reflect on how some could modify their views to conform more to the motivations and methods of Jesus our Lord. The following are several ways through which Jesus tried to bring about change.
1. Jesus prayed and relied on the Holy Spirit for every change. Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
2. Jesus made declarative statements of His purposes, processes and motives to all that would listen. John 6:38 for I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
3. Jesus was not afraid to speak the truth to authorities that were hindering the progress of His kingdom’s growth. Matt 22:29Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
4. Jesus built relationships with people. He challenged those who would listen to change on the basis of their love for Him and the heavenly Father’s will. John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."
5. Jesus emphasized a balancing of the letter and the spirit of the law in His changes. Mark 2:25-27 He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions."27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
6. Jesus gave people hope, encouragement and love before asking them to change Matt 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
7. Jesus taught others to avoid hypocritical change. Matt 7:1-3 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
8. Jesus used positive authority in helping to effect change. Matt 7:28-29 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
9. Jesus realized that His job was not to change everything and everyone in society. He also understood that His primary job was not to bring about social, political or economic changes in his community. Mark10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
10. Jesus emphasized trust and obedience to God in producing long lasting change. John14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
11. Jesus emphasized right behaviour that would be measured and rewarded by God. Luke 6:46-49 "Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 I will show you what he is like who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice. 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete."
12. Jesus believed in getting people involved in effecting change. First, Jesus required the change agents to be committed to Him and God’s will before enlisting them as His disciples. Luke 9:23-25 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self?
13. Jesus used superb timing in effecting changes that would make a permanent difference. John 2:1-4 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, "They have no more wine." 4"Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."
14. Jesus would occasionally delay bringing a change in order to produce the greatest quantitative and qualitative results. John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you
15. Jesus declared Himself as the key to eternal changes John 4:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
16. Jesus knew that people needed His knowledge and wisdom to affect the kind of changes that would bring blessings without any sorrow. Col 2:3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
17 Jesus knew that His great commission would be the crux to future change. Matt 28: 18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
18. Jesus knew that the church would be a key agent for producing change. Matthew 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
HOW CAN WE COMMUNICATE THESE CHANGES Matthew 9:17
1. Jesus prayed and relied on the Holy Spirit for every change. Even at the times of Christ’s greatest popularity He knew that only the Spirit produces lasting change. Luke wrote, Luke 5:15-16 Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Make a prayer list of the areas where you desire to see change and then record the way the Lord specifically answers your prayers.
2. Jesus knew that effective change came as a result of doing the will of God. Jesus said, John 6:38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. Do not think you can produce change outside of the sovereign will and leading of God.
3. Jesus corrected religious authorities that tried to produce counterfeit changes. Jesus told the Pharisees, Matt 22:29 Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God." Ask the Lord for the tact, wisdom and timing to point out areas that need changing to people in positions of authority.
4. Jesus knew that godly change must occur both in internal and external. The Lord said, Matt 9:17 Neither do men pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved." Ask the Lord for the ability to bring about internal and external changes through the power of His Spirit.
5 Jesus involved obedient people in change by giving them responsibilities in the ministry. Luke 10:1-3 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.2 He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3 Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Give people an honest assessment of the challenges they will face.
6. Jesus built relationships with people and challenged them to change on the basis of their love for God. John 21:15-17 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?" "Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my lambs." 16 Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?" He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep." 17 The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." Jesus said, "Feed my sheep.
Help people develop a wholehearted love for the Lord as their primary motivation for change.
7. Jesus emphasized the balance of the letter of the law and the Spirit of the law in His changes Jesus said Mark 2:27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.
8. Jesus gave people hope, encouragement, inspiration and love. He said, Matt 11:28-30 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
9. Jesus taught others to avoid hypocritical changes and criticism by saying, Matt 7:1-5 "Do not judge, or you too will be judged.2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
10. Jesus taught that change principally begins with each person’s growing in Godly characteristics. Matt 5:1-14
11. Jesus used positive authority in producing change. Matt 7:28-29 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Teach with power from God.
12. Jesus realized that His job was not to change everything in society, economics, politics, or education but He was sent to complete God’s priorities through the Father’s will. Jesus said, John 17:4 I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do’ Focus on doing God’s will in all your changes.
13. Jesus emphasized obedience in producing innovations. He said, John 14:21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
14. Jesus emphasized right behaviour in change. Jesus said, Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me, `Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say Ask the Lord to emphasize obedience to the Lord above obedience to any human being.
15. Jesus believed in getting people committed to Him and His will before asking them to change outwardly.
16. Jesus watched the timing of His changes. He said, John 2:4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."
17. Jesus asked others to pray for Him and consulted them during the periods of crucial changes. Matt 26:40 hen he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?" he asked Peter. 18. Jesus realized that most changes would take time. He knew that the sending of the Spirit would mean first changing the hearts and minds of His disciples who would then produce change in their communities. Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
19. Jesus would sometimes delay change in order to secure wider acceptance. He said, John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Let the Lord bring about changes in people according to His schedule.
20. Jesus declared Himself to be the key to all effective change. John 14:6
21. Jesus represents all the keys to wisdom and knowledge in producing change. Col 2:3
22. Jesus knew that if His changes were to continue and progress, His disciples would have to go into all the nations of the world and make disciples by teaching others to obey all that He had commanded. Matt. 28:19,20
23. Jesus is the key change agent who works through the power of the Holy Spirit in producing qualitative and quantitative changes in building His church. Jesus said, Matt 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. " Let Him work His wonders through the church.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
A woman lived next door to a private zoo. She informed the police that she had a skunk in her cellar. "Open the cellar door," the officer advised, "make a trail of bread crumbs from the cellar to the garden. Then wait for the skunk to follow it outside." Half an hour later the woman called a second time. "I did what you said--now I have two skunks in my cellar." It is not enough to try to reform one or two bad habits. What we need is a change of heart. What we need is to take stock of our position relative to our surroundings!
BEAUFORT RESTORATION MINISTRIES
E.W.Carey-Holt
