What practical steps can we take to avoid being "old wineskins" spiritually? The Picture of Wineskins in Scripture “And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the new wine will burst the skins; the wine will spill and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins. And no one after drinking old wine wants new, for he says, ‘The old is better.’ ” (Luke 5:37-39) Why Old Wineskins Crack • In Jesus’ day, goatskin containers stiffened as they aged. • Fermenting wine expands; rigid skins can’t stretch, so both skin and wine are lost. • Spiritually, when hearts grow inflexible—clinging to past patterns, resisting fresh leading—we risk missing what God is presently pouring out. Recognize the Warning Signs • Irritation when Scripture or sermons challenge familiar practices • Nostalgia that insists “the old is better” (v. 39) • A critical spirit toward new believers or new methods • Diminishing expectancy in prayer and worship • Reluctance to repent of long-standing attitudes Practical Steps Toward Spiritual Freshness 1. Soften the Heart Daily • Ask the Spirit to search and soften: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26). • Keep short accounts with God—confess sins promptly (1 John 1:9). 2. Stay Teachable • Approach Scripture like newborns craving “pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2). • Invite correction: “All Scripture is God-breathed…for teaching, rebuking, correcting” (2 Timothy 3:16). 3. Renew the Mind Continuously • “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2). • Memorize and meditate on verses that confront comfort-zone thinking. 4. Embrace Spirit-Led Change • Follow promptings even when they disrupt routines—Peter welcomed Gentiles after a vision (Acts 10). • Hold traditions loosely unless Scripture makes them binding (Mark 7:8-9). 5. Practice Flexible Worship • Sing new songs (Psalm 96:1). • Engage in varied expressions—silence, fasting, corporate praise—keeping focus on Christ, not form. 6. Cultivate Diverse Fellowship • Share life with believers of different ages and backgrounds; fresh perspectives stretch faith (Proverbs 27:17). 7. Serve in New Ways • Step into unfamiliar ministry opportunities; dependence on God keeps the skin supple (Ephesians 2:10). 8. Guard Against Spiritual Nostalgia • Celebrate past moves of God, but expect greater things ahead (Haggai 2:9). • Replace “We’ve never done it that way” with “Lord, what are You doing now?” The Ongoing Blessing Choosing flexibility preserves both the vessel and the wine. We remain usable, and the life-giving work of the Spirit flows freely to us and through us for the glory of Christ. |
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