Lesson 1: Trim Your Lamps

A. INTRODUCTION: MATTHEW 25:1-13

The parable of the 10 virgins (bridesmaids) is interpreted as Israel’s preparation for the Lord’s glorious return. However, the principle of getting ready for His return applies to us today.

B. TWENTY-TWO LESSONS FROM THE TEN BRIDESMAIDS

1. There is only one bride; the church. “Prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2).

2. The number five (bridesmaids) does not mean that half the world will be ready for Christ, but two types of people, i.e., those ready and those not.

3. The main task of a bridesmaid is to attend to the bride, i.e., to get everything ready for the wedding.

4. Bridesmaids did not know the exact hour of the Bridegrooms return, so be ready in all ways at all times.

5. Lamps refer to testimony. “Ye shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15).

6. Oil refers to the Holy Spirit. The source of our testimony to the world.

• “Except a man be born of the . . . Spirit” (John 3:5).

• “Be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).

• “Walk in the Spirit” (Gal. 5:25).

• “By the power of the Spirit of God” (Rom. 15:19).

7. Five bridesmaids could not prepare for the Bridegroom because they did not prepare themselves.

8. Sleep is so easy when you give into the desires of the body.

• Sleep is not wrong in itself.

• There is a time to sleep.

• It is wrong to sleep when there is work to do.

• “Let us not sleep as others, but let us watch” (I Thess. 5:6).

9. How the five foolish bridesmaids failed.

• Didn’t discipline sleep time. “Slumbered and slept.”

• Didn’t discipline relationship to Holy Spirit.

• Were not ready when the Bridegroom came.

10. The refusal of the five wise bridesmaids is not cruel or selfish. Oil is a personal regeneration and a personal possession of Holy Spirit.

11. If you don’t have the Holy Spirit, the Lord will say, “I knew you not” (25:12).

12. The five foolish bridesmaids were shut out.

• Even though they knocked.

• Even though they went in search of oil.

• Even though they pleaded with the Lord. “I know you not” (v. 12).

13. What was done to the five foolish bridesmaids?

• The door was opened but they were not ready.

• The door was shut and they couldn’t enter.

• There was no second chance.

• Rejected by the Lord. “I know you not” (v.12).

14. The lesson of time. You won’t go to Heaven on your schedule.

15. The lesson of decision. All godly activity begins with choice.

16. Every one of us has a midnight appointment. “At midnight there was a cry made. Behold the Bridegroom cometh” (v. 6).

17. Get prepared while you have an open window, there is coming a time when it is too late.

18. False profession will not save you when Jesus comes.

19. How were the five wise bridesmaids tested?

• They were tested by endurance, i.e., long night.

• They were tested by possession, i.e., had oil.

• They were tested by testimony, i.e., “trimmed their lights” (v. 7).

• They were tested for integrity, i.e., foolish begged for their oil.

• They were tested by relationship, i.e., “went in with him” (v. 10).

20. What did the five wise bridesmaids get?

• To see the arrival of the Bridegroom (v. 10).

• To attend the marriage feast (v. 10). “Blessed are they which are

called to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev. 19:9).

• Security, the door was shut after they entered (v. 10).

“Watch therefore, for you know neither the day

nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming”

(Matt. 25:13).

21. The word “watch” means more than “look.” It means:

• To keep awake: not sleep.

• To guard: watch my suitcase.

• Continuous attention: watch the children.

• Learn: watch me do this.

• Watch dog protects: continuous unbroken vigilance.

22. Reward. “There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord . . . shall give me in the day, and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing (II Tim. 4:8).

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.