New Wine, New Skin: Embracing God's Transformative Work

New Wine Series

Joshua 5:13–15 GNB

13 While Joshua was near Jericho, he suddenly saw a man standing in front of him, holding a sword. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you one of our soldiers, or an enemy?” 14 “Neither,” the man answered. “I am here as the commander of the Lord’s army.” Joshua threw himself on the ground in worship and said, “I am your servant, sir. What do you want me to do?” 15 And the commander of the Lord’s army told him, “Take your sandals off; you are standing on holy ground.” And Joshua did as he was told.

Luke 5:34–39 TPT

34 Jesus replied, “Should you make the sons of the bridal chamber fast while celebrating with the Bridegroom? 35 But when the Bridegroom is taken away from them, then you will see them fasting.” 36 And he gave them this illustration: “No one rips up a new garment to make patches for an old, worn-out one. If you tear up the new to make a patch for the old, it will not match the old garment. 37 And who pours new wine into an old wineskin? If someone did, the old wineskin would burst and the new wine would be lost. 38 New wine must always be poured into new wineskins. 39 Yet you say, ‘The old ways are better,’ and you refuse to even taste the new that I bring.”

ROB

New Wine, New Skin: Embracing God's Transformative Work

Bible Passage: Joshua 5:13-15, Luke 5:37-38

Summary: In these passages, God invites His people to recognize the necessity of transformation in their lives — moving away from old ways of thinking and living to embrace a renewed perspective shaped by His divine presence and purpose.

Application: This sermon encourages Christians to shed old mindsets and behaviors that hinder spiritual growth, reminding them that to pursue God's calling, they must be willing to embrace change and allow God to reshape their lives according to His will.

Teaching: The main teaching is that God requires us to let go of the old and welcome the new, as seen through the symbolism of wine skins. In our faith journey, we must continually be open to God's leading and transforming power, which demands fresh approaches to challenges.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of Scripture, Jesus embodies the new covenant, replacing the old covenant with His presence and sacrifice. He offers a new paradigm of living that requires us to adjust our understanding embrace transformation and renewal in our lives to fully experience the blessings and purpose He has set before us.

The Gospel of Luke iv. Jesus’ Attitude to Fasting 5:33–39

The incompatibility of new wine and old skins means that any attempt to combine them leads to the destruction of both. (Since a patch is not ‘destroyed’ in the same way as wine, Luke had to introduce the idea of the garment from which the patch was taken in order to gain parallelism between the two sayings.) To attempt to contain the gospel within the bounds of Judaism will only destroy both. But the saying goes further and makes the positive point: the gospel is radically new (cf. F. Hahn*, 370) and must be allowed to express itself in its own way.

1. Recognize Divine Presence

Joshua 5:13–14 KJV

13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? 14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant?

Let’s explore how Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army symbolizes a new phase of God's work among His people. The passage suggests that encountering God radically alters our direction and prepares us for His transformative mission.

By understanding Joshua's submission to divine authority, We want to encourage every believer to seek God's presence and guidance, allowing Him to reshape your life and direct your paths. This reflects the necessity of letting go of old frameworks and embracing new ones to align with God's purpose, paralleling Christ's call to follow His new way.

Hebrews 11:3 KJV

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Wanda

2. Revere God's Command

Joshua 5:15 KJV

15 And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy. And Joshua did so.

Let’s focus on the profound act of removing sandals, representing respect and readiness for change.

Joshua's reverence at the holy ground reminds us that entering into God's new calling requires humility and a willingness to be transformed.

Just as sandals are left behind, we must also abandon past encumbrances that hinder spiritual progress.

This moment represents an acknowledgment of divine ownership and sovereignty, motivating us as Christians to relinquish control and welcome the sanctifying work God desires to accomplish in US, much like Jesus leads us into a new creation through His redemptive work.

A Readiness for Change

Sign 1: Insatiable Hunger for Righteousness

Sign 2: Easily Convicted

Sign 3: Loss of Friends

Sign 4: Trials and Temptations

Sign 5: Filled with Authority

Sign 6: Persecution

Sign 7: Divine Dreams and Visions

Sign 8: Hatred for Injustice

Sign 9: God-Consciousness

ROB

3. Renew Your Mindset

Luke 5:37–38 TPT

37 And who pours new wine into an old wineskin? If someone did, the old wineskin would burst and the new wine would be lost. 38 New wine must always be poured into new wineskins.

Jesus' parable highlights the incompatibility of old structures with the realities of His new kingdom.

The new wine of the Spirit's work demands a fresh receptacle, indicating the necessity for believers to adapt and expand their understanding of God's work.

This instructs Christians to evaluate their readiness for God's new movements, prioritize spiritual flexibility, and embrace transformation actively.

By likening ourselves to new wineskins, we align with Christ's invitation to join His renewing mission in our hearts and communities, echoing the change He brings through His life and sacrifice.

How can we identify the old mindsets in our lives that need to be transformed?

In what ways can we actively seek God's presence as Joshua did before entering a new phase of our lives?

Wanda

What are some practical steps we can take to show humility and readiness for change, as demonstrated by Joshua removing his sandals?

How does the metaphor of new wineskins challenge us to embrace change within our community of believers?

What does it look like for us to relinquish control over our lives and allow God to lead us into transformation?

Final Point and Conclusion (Wanda)

Luke 5:39 TPT

39 Yet you say, ‘The old ways are better,’ and you refuse to even taste the new that I bring.”

The Proof Is In What You Do!

The difference between old and new wine is based on fermentation. 

Old wine is fermented and has an alcoholic content, while new wine is usually grape juice and has no alcoholic content.

Ephesians 4:17–32 NLT

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity. But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.”* Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own,* guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.