This sermon explores the importance of spiritual readiness, wisdom, and vigilance in anticipation of Christ's return, as illustrated in the parable of the ten virgins. Key
Good morning, beloved family in Christ. It's a joy to be here with you today, standing on the brink of another opportunity to delve into the richness of God's Word. As we gather here, let us remember that we are not alone. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, both past and present, who have sought to understand and apply God's Word just as we are doing now.
In his book, "Knowing God," J.I. Packer wrote, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." Isn't that a wonderful truth? When we truly know God, when we understand His character and His promises, our perspective on life changes. We see our trials and tribulations, not as obstacles, but as opportunities to grow closer to our Heavenly Father.
Today, we will be turning our hearts and minds to the parable of the ten virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13. I invite you to open your Bibles and read along with me [read text].
What a powerful passage! It speaks to us about readiness, wisdom, and vigilance. It calls us to live in anticipation of the Bridegroom's return. It challenges us to be wise in our preparations and vigilant in our watch.
Let us pray. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word. We thank You for the wisdom it imparts and the challenges it presents. As we study this parable today, we ask for Your guidance. Open our hearts and minds to understand the lessons You have for us. Help us to apply these truths to our lives. We pray all these in the precious name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
So, are we ready to meet the Bridegroom? Are we wise in our preparations? Are we vigilant in our watch? Let's find out together as we delve into this powerful parable.
In the parable we just read, the herald's cry rings out in the night, "Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him." This is a call to action that demands a response. It's not a suggestion or a casual invitation. It's a command. The herald doesn't say, "If you feel like it, come out to meet the bridegroom." No, he says, "Come out to meet him." This is a call we must heed.
The herald's cry is a wake-up call. It's a call that interrupts the slumber of the virgins. They had all become drowsy and slept, but the cry of the herald jolts them awake. It's a reminder that we must be alert, awake, and ready for the return of the Bridegroom. We can't afford to be caught napping or be unprepared. We must be ready to respond at a moment's notice.
The herald's cry is also a call to preparation. The wise virgins were ready. They had brought extra oil for their lamps. They were prepared for the bridegroom's delay. They were prepared for the long wait. The foolish virgins, on the other hand, were unprepared. They had not brought extra oil. They were not ready for the bridegroom's delay. When the herald's cry rang out, they were caught off guard. They were left scrambling to find oil for their lamps.
Next, it’s a call to action. The virgins didn't just hear the herald's cry, they responded to it. They rose and trimmed their lamps. They prepared to meet the bridegroom. This is a reminder that hearing the call is not enough. We must also respond to the call.
Fourthly, it’s a call to urgency. The bridegroom is coming. The time is now. There is no time to waste. The foolish virgins realized this too late. They had to rush out to buy oil, but by the time they returned, the door was shut. The bridegroom had come and gone. They had missed their opportunity. This is a sobering reminder that we must not delay in our preparations. We must not procrastinate. We must be ready now.
Recap/Transition. In heeding the herald's cry, we are reminded of the importance of readiness, alertness, preparation, action, and urgency. These are not optional. These are not suggestions. These are commands. We must heed the herald's cry. We must be ready for the return of the Bridegroom. We must be prepared to meet Him. We must take action now. We must not delay. The time is now. The Bridegroom is coming. Are you ready?
As we move forward, let's consider the wisdom that can be harvested while we wait ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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