Bible Studies
“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. And no one, after drinking old wine wishes for new; for he says, ‘The old is good enough (LUKE 5: 37 – 39 NASB).”
Possessing an edified soul structure, consisting of accurate Bible doctrine, especially now during this end-time stage of great apostasy (1Tim. 4: 1), is indeed a spiritual blessing.
At the same time, thinking one knows enough (or worse, thinking one knows it all) can diminish the desire to conduct 2Cor. 13: 5 self examinations and to make the necessary adjustments.
Without such examinations and adjustments, one will not be obedient to the 2Pet. 3: 18 commands to c-o-n-t-i-n-u-e to grow in the knowledge of the Lord.
The growth test is simple. Be honest and ask yourself what Biblical principles do you now know, that you now have a better understanding of, or that you now apply that you didn't know, understand, or apply, let’s say six months ago.
In the spiritual realm, one is never immobile. We are in a constant state of gradual change, becoming more and more like Jesus Christ (Romans 8: 29), or more and more like the devil’s world (Romans 12: 2) in our thoughts, speech, and actions.
The sophomore stretch along the road to spiritual maturity is a slippery slope.
By the time an advancing disciple reaches this point, such a believer has built up a level of confidence and spiritual self-esteem, but in more cases than not, has not yet had his or her faith put to the (Mark 4: 19/Luke 14: 26) test.
In the sophomore stage, the would-be advancing disciple, becomes aware that he or she has acquired more detailed knowledge of Scripture than most of his or her peers.
For some, this opens the door for destructive arrogance (Romans 12: 3).
A holier than thou attitude turns people off, and a know-it-all attitude contributes to maintaining the old wine skin (unteachable) mindset.
Becoming satisfied with the security of his or her salvation (Romans 8: 1) can diminish the desire to take one's post salvation spiritual life to the next level of discipleship.
Discipleship is initially for the edification of oneself, but with the long-term objective of evangelizing unbelievers and edifying fellow believers whose paths we cross by divine appointment.
The devil and worldly-minded people will plant seeds of destruction by pointing out that God Himself concedes that the life of an advancing disciple will be one of conflict (Matt. 10: 34 - 36) and persecution (2Tim. 3: 12).
If we allow these seeds to take root, a self-centered, “Why be bothered (Psalms 73: 13),” or a, “What’s in it for me (Matt. 19: 27)” attitude can materialize.
None of us, this side of Heaven, will ever reach the point that we have learned everything that the Bible has to offer.
Most of us struggle to apply the knowledge that we already have.
Therefore, the challenge is to become a fresh wineskin, capable of retaining new or more refined knowledge of the Lord, coupled with a willingness to apply it (James 1: 22) for the glory of God.
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