“A Full Supply”
(Based on the Parable of the Ten Virgins)
1. Introduction
· Give some modern day storytelling concerning story.
Matthew 25:1-11 says…
"The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. But only five of them were wise enough to fill their lamps with oil, while the other five were foolish and forgot.
"So, when the bridegroom was delayed, they lay down to rest until midnight, when they were roused by the shout, ’The bridegroom is coming! Come out and welcome him!’
"All the girls jumped up and trimmed their lamps. Then the five who hadn’t any oil begged the others to share with them, for their lamps were going out.
"But the others replied, ’We haven’t enough. Go instead to the shops and buy some for yourselves.’
"But while they were gone, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.
"Later, when the other five returned, they stood outside, calling, ’Sir, open the door for us!’
"But he called back, ’Go away! It is too late!’
"So stay awake and be prepared, for you do not know the date or moment of my return.
TLB
· If you look in a bible at home you will find this story as the “Parable of the Ten Virgins”.
· I believe this story has a great deal to say to Christian students and non- Christian students alike.
· Back in Jesus’ time, it was not uncommon for this ritual to take place; On occasions such as marriage the bridegroom and his friends would go to visit the bride to be and her attendants on the night before the wedding. The bride to be and her friends would keep a lantern burning so that when they were expected to come the girls would go and light a path for their arrival. Then they would celebrate the wedding that would soon take place!
· Let’s take a look into what Jesus was saying on this occasion.
2. The Virgins
· The word shows us that those who follow Christ are “virgins” which illustrates to us the beauty and purity of presenting ourselves to our King.
Revelation 14:3-4 says…
For they are spiritually undefiled, pure as virgins, following the Lamb wherever he goes. They have been purchased from among the men on the earth as a consecrated offering to God and the Lamb.
2 Corinthians 11:1-2 says…
I am anxious for you with the deep concern of God himself-anxious that your love should be for Christ alone, just as a pure maiden saves her love for one man only, for the one who will be her husband.
· This story tells us of two types of virgins, WISE and FOOLISH
· Let’s look at the FOOLISH first.
1. They had just enough oil for the present and made a show of what they had as if they intended on meeting the bridegroom. (example: people who hide behind the “Christian” name but have no relationship with Jesus.)
2. They have the lamp of profession, but no substance in their heart.
· Now let’s look at the WISE.
1. They were wise because they had oil to maintain their lamp. (example: This is the person who says its not enough to know about God, I have to know Him!)
2. The oil that they have is God’s grace and they have brought a full supply!
3. Philippians tells us that we should be beacons of light to this world.
· In Exodus it talks about the articles of the tabernacle where people would come and worship God. The lamp stand was a very significant part of the tabernacle. Provision was always made to keep it burning at all times.
· Countless martyrs knew what it meant to keep the fire burning at all times. Read story of Bartholomew.
3. The Common Fault
· The trouble is that ALL the virgins fell asleep!
· They felt that the bridegroom was taking to long, maybe he forgot to come, maybe he fell asleep, maybe he forgot about us.
· Those that were waiting on Jesus to come on the scene felt it took a long time, but the bible says that in the fullness of time, he came!
· What happens to a lot of Christian teens is that they get saved and things seem to go great for a while, then they begin to fall asleep spiritually. Maybe you can say “Hey, I still love God” maybe all love is not lost for Him, but what about you “first” love for Him?
4. The Midnight Cry
· At midnight a cry rang out, He’s coming! Get ready! The wise and the foolish awoke from their slumber to make preparations for Him.
· Midnight illustrates for us when He will return. At a time when we least expect Him to return.
· The foolish realized their lamps had burned out and they pleaded with the wise virgins for extra oil but they had none.
· When it comes time for Christ to come back, people will see the need for the grace of God, when instead of seeing it now so it could sanctify and rule them!
2 Peter 3:3-4 says…
First, I want to remind you that in the last days there will come scoffers who will do every wrong they can think of and laugh at the truth. This will be their line of argument: "So Jesus promised to come back, did he? Then where is he? He’ll never come!
2 Peter 3:8-9 says…
But don’t forget this, dear friends, that a day or a thousand years from now is like tomorrow to the Lord. He isn’t really being slow about his promised return, even though it sometimes seems that way. But he is waiting, for the good reason that he is not willing that any should perish, and he is giving more time for sinners to repent.
· Matthew Henry wrote: Though he tarries long he will come at last, though he seems slow, he is sure.
5. The Closing Door
· The five foolish virgins ran to try and catch the bridegroom and the door was already shut. They begged but the door was locked!
Romans 3: 11says…
Another reason for right living is this: you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed.
· Looking around us, this country is growing increasingly wicked and I don’t believe we will be here much longer. Where do you stand with Christ?
· Have Prayer
