New Wine, New Wineskins

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Here’s a 7-point sermon on Matthew 9:17 (NKJV) with illustrations and three additional scriptures:

Sermon Title: "New Wine, New Wineskins"

Key Verse: Matthew 9:17 (NKJV)

Introduction:

Use a modern illustration: Imagine trying to store fresh sparkling soda in a cracked plastic bottle—it bursts because it can't handle the pressure. Explain the context: Jesus is responding to questions about fasting and illustrating the need for a transformed mindset under His new covenant.

Point 1: The New Wine Represents Transformation

Illustration: A caterpillar transforming into a butterfly symbolizes a radical, irreversible change. Similarly, Jesus brings a transformative work in our lives. Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
John 3:3 - "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."Ephesians 4:22-24 - "...put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt... and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and... put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness."
Deeper Insight: New wine is unfermented, fresh, and dynamic, much like the gospel of Christ, which brings fresh life and transformation.Illustration Expansion: Share a testimony of someone whose life was radically transformed by Christ (e.g., from addiction to ministry).Application: Reflect on areas in your life where you resist transformation. Ask, “Am I letting Jesus bring something new into my life?”

Point 2: Old Wineskins Symbolize Old Patterns

The old wineskins represent rigid religious traditions and legalistic mindsets that resist change.
Mark 7:13 - "...making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do."Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?"
Illustration: Think of an outdated operating system that can’t run new software. Without updates, it crashes. Challenge: Ask the congregation: Are you stuck in old ways that prevent the Holy Spirit from moving in your life?
Deeper Insight: Old wineskins have become rigid and brittle, just like hearts hardened by legalism or complacency.Illustration Expansion: Use a story about a business that failed because it refused to innovate (e.g., Blockbuster vs. Netflix).Challenge: Ask the congregation: Are you holding onto past grievances, traditions, or fears that prevent God from moving in your life?

Point 3: New Wine Demands New Wineskins

New wineskins are flexible, ready to expand. Jesus requires us to be open, teachable, and adaptable to His ways. Illustration: A balloon can expand to hold more air, while a glass jar cannot. Scripture: Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you."
Luke 5:38 - "But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved."Hebrews 8:10 - "For this is the covenant that I will make... I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people."
Deeper Insight: New wineskins are flexible, symbolizing humility and openness to change.Illustration Expansion: Share a story of someone who embraced a radical career or spiritual shift and found fulfillment because they trusted God’s leading.Application: Write down one area in your life where God is calling you to be more adaptable. Pray for the courage to act.

Point 4: Resistance to Change Causes Ruin

Jesus warns that putting new wine into old wineskins destroys both the wine and the wineskins.
Proverbs 29:1 - "He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy."Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you..."
Illustration: A plant that outgrows its pot will die if it’s not transplanted into a bigger one. Application: Emphasize the importance of letting go of old habits, mindsets, and grudges.
Deeper Insight: Just as new wine bursts old skins, clinging to old ways can damage relationships, ministries, and opportunities.Illustration Expansion: Use the image of a young tree planted in a small pot. If the pot isn’t broken or replaced, the tree’s roots will die.Application: Reflect on a time when resisting change caused you pain or loss. Ask God for the strength to trust Him in the future.

Point 5: The Necessity of Renewal

Renewal is continuous. Even new wineskins eventually age and need replacement. Illustration: Just as a smartphone requires regular updates, our spiritual lives require constant renewal through prayer, scripture, and fellowship. Scripture: Romans 12:2 - "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
Psalm 51:10 - "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."Titus 3:5 - "...not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit."
Deeper Insight: Even “new” wineskins will eventually harden. Spiritual renewal is not a one-time event but a continuous process.Illustration Expansion: Share a story about someone who rekindled their faith through a retreat, a new ministry, or a deeper study of God’s word.Actionable Insight: Encourage the congregation to take one step this week toward spiritual renewal: daily prayer, fasting, or starting a Bible study group.

Point 6: Preservation of Both

When new wine is put into new wineskins, both are preserved. Jesus emphasizes that renewal benefits everyone involved.
Jude 1:24 - "Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy..."2 Corinthians 4:16 - "Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day." Illustration: A new, well-oiled machine runs smoothly, producing excellent results without breakdowns. Application: Highlight how a renewed heart and mindset preserve relationships, ministries, and communities.
Deeper Insight: God’s work not only renews us but also preserves our relationships, ministries, and joy.Illustration Expansion: Talk about a fragile antique that was carefully restored and preserved to its original beauty.Application: Think of a strained relationship or ministry. Ask God for wisdom to bring renewal and preservation in that area.

Point 7: Jesus’ New Covenant Brings Joy

New wine often symbolizes joy and celebration in scripture. Jesus brings abundant life, represented by the “new wine.”
John 15:11 - "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full."Nehemiah 8:10 - "...Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Illustration: At the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned water into wine (John 2:1-11), showing His desire to bring joy and fulfillment. Call to Action: Encourage the congregation to embrace the joy of living in the freedom and grace of Christ.
Deeper Insight: In the Bible, wine often symbolizes joy and celebration. Jesus’ new covenant is meant to overflow with these qualities.Illustration Expansion: Share the story of the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). Emphasize how Jesus turned ordinary water into the best wine, symbolizing the abundance of His grace.Call to Action: End with a communal prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to fill everyone with the joy and abundance of Christ.

Conclusion:

Summarize the points: Transformation, letting go of old ways, embracing renewal, and preserving the joy of Christ. Close with a powerful visual: Pour water into a balloon, illustrating how it expands without bursting when it’s flexible.
Visual Aid: Use a balloon filled with water to show how flexibility prevents breaking. Tie it back to spiritual growth and adaptability.Summary Challenge: "Are you willing to let God transform you into a new wineskin, ready for His fresh work in your life?"
Challenge: Ask, “Are you ready to become a new wineskin for Jesus’ new wine?”
Closing Prayer: Seek God’s help to let go of the old, embrace the new, and be filled with the joy of His Spirit.
Would you like additional material or specific elaborations on any point?
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