How To Prevent Oil Leaks

Matthew 25:1-13 KJV Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. [2] And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. [3] They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: [4] But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. [5] While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. [6] And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. [7] Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. [8] And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. [9] But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. [10] And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. [11] Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. [12] But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. [13] Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

I. INTRODUCTION—PREVENTITIVE MAINTENANCE

-The more high-tech that cars become in our generation, the more important it is for them to have routine maintenance checks. More times than not major automotive repairs can be prevented if a little maintenance is done along the way.

• Change the oil.

• Make sure the fluid levels are good.

• Rotate the tires.

• Keep an eye on the brakes for wear.

• Watch for wheel alignment problems.

• Keep the air-filter clean.

• Check the battery and the cables for corrosion.

• Make sure the anti-freeze/coolant is adequate.

• Note the belts and hoses to see if they are worn.

• Power steering and brake fluid levels need to be checked.

• Transmission fluid needs to be at the right level.

• Wiper blades need to be able to clear the rain.

-A person who keeps an eye on these things can pile up the miles on a vehicle long after he has made the last payment on it.

-The same level of scrutiny that we have on our cars, homes, health, and relationships needs to have a priority in our spiritual lives also. Periodically it is good to take the soul and put it up on the rack and carefully inspect the direction that we are moving along in.

II. THE FIVE WISE AND FIVE FOOLISH VIRGINS

-Matthew 24-25 is called the Olivet Discourse. It is the last of the five discourses that are listed in the writings of Matthew. It contains some of the most important prophetic material in all of Scripture.

-The five major discourses in Matthew:

• The Sermon on the Mount—Matthew 5-7

• The Commissioning of the Apostles—Matthew 10

• The Parables of the Kingdom—Matthew 13

• The Childlikeness of the Believer—Matthew 18

• The Olivet Discourse on the Second Coming—Matthew 24-25

-At the end of all five of these discourses there is a similar phrase that Matthew uses: “when Jesus had ended these sayings.”

-Locked up in the Olivet Discourse there were several parables:

• The Parable of the Fig Tree—Matthew 24:32-34; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33

• The Parable of the Two Servants—Matthew 24:45-51; Luke 12:41-48

• The Parable of the Ten Virgins—Matthew 25:1-13

• The Parable of the Talents—Matthew 25:14-30

-All of these parables were pointing to spiritual lessons the Lord was teaching His disciples for future days.

-What sparked the Lord’s words to His disciples were two questions they asked:

Matthew 24:3 KJV And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

-Their questions were about the destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem and the end of the world.

-In His response, which we have in these two chapters, there are a lot of things that the Lord informed them they would see.

• Subtle and strong delusions.

• Sore tribulations and oppressions.

• Great confusion in the hearts of men and in churches.

• Great horrors and grievous sins in the hearts of men.

• The elements will be darkened and seemingly out of control.

• Sensual times like that during Noah’s day.

-All of these things should encourage the true believers to be very careful about the state of their own soul and to constantly be in state of alert watchfulness. Despite the great sin that was found in Noah’s day, there was a place of security and strength within the Ark.