Introduction

Good morning, church! I'm thrilled to share God's word with you today. We're going to dive into Matthew 25:1-13.

In this passage, Jesus illustrates the kingdom of heaven through the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Five of them were wise and five were foolish. As we walk through this passage, we'll explore what it means to be prepared, to keep our lamps lit, and to remain focused on our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ.

A.W. Tozer once said, "A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself." And today, as we examine our readiness for Christ's return, we may find it's time to be a little harder on ourselves.

Let's look at the passage now:

"Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, 'Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.' Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.' But the wise answered, saying, 'Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.' And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, 'Lord, lord, open to us.' But he answered, 'Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.' Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour." Matthew 25:1-13

Let's bow our heads in prayer before we dive in.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. As we dissect this passage today, open our hearts and minds to grasp the lessons You have for us. Help us to always be prepared, to keep our lamps lit, and to avoid distractions that may lead us astray. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Now, let's get started!

Be Ready for the Bridegroom

Readiness: The virgins represent the church, the bride of Christ, waiting for the return of the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. The Bridegroom is coming, but the exact time is unknown. This uncertainty is not meant to cause anxiety but to prompt preparation. The virgins were to be ready to meet the bridegroom, just as we are to be ready for the return of Christ.

The five wise virgins were prepared: They had brought extra oil for their lamps, anticipating that the bridegroom might be delayed. Their readiness was not a result of luck or chance, but of deliberate preparation. They had considered the possibility of delay and had made provision for it. They were not caught off guard when the bridegroom was delayed. They were ready.

The five foolish virgins were unprepared: They had brought their lamps but had not brought any extra oil. They had not considered the possibility of delay. When the bridegroom was delayed, they were caught off guard. They were not ready.

What do they represent: The readiness of the wise virgins and the unpreparedness of the foolish virgins highlight the importance of being ready for the return of Christ. We do not know when Christ will return. He could return at any moment. We must be ready.

More than just believing in Christ: It involves living in a way that reflects our belief in Christ. It involves living in anticipation of His return. It involves living a life of obedience, faithfulness, and holiness.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit: The oil in the parable represents the Holy Spirit. The wise virgins had brought extra oil, indicating that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. The foolish virgins had not brought any extra oil, indicating that they were not filled with the Holy Spirit. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential for being ready for the return of Christ.

Not a passive waiting but an active preparation: It involves actively seeking God, actively living for Him, and actively sharing His love with others. It involves actively living out our faith in every area of our lives.

Not a one-time event but a continual process: It involves continually seeking God, continually living for Him, and continually sharing His love with others. It involves continually living out our faith in every area of our lives.

Not a burden but a joy: It is a joy to live for Christ, to serve Him, and to share His love with others. It is a joy to anticipate His return and to be ready for it.

A challenge: The parable of the Ten Virgins challenges us to be ready for the return of Christ. It challenges us to live in anticipation of His return. It challenges us to live a life of obedience, faithfulness, and holiness. It challenges us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to actively seek God, to actively live for Him, and to actively share His love with others. It challenges us to continually seek God, to continually live for Him, and to continually share His love with others. It challenges us to live with joy in anticipation of His return.

Watch the Oil

The oil in the lamps of the virgins represents our spiritual preparedness and our relationship with God ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO