THE
Matthew 25:1-13
Introduction:
These verses stress the importance of watching for the second
coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Verse 13 commands us to “watch”. What
does it mean to “watch”? Well, it is not idle starring or meaningless
gazing. Watching is (military term-“do not leave your post”) living a
life pleasing to Jesus and in such a way that others will see Jesus in us
consistently. I believe these 10 virgins symbolize the professing church
in the world today. From the perspective of man all 10 of them appeared
ready to enter the marriage of the lamb. But, from God’s perspective 5
of those bride’s maids were not real on the inside. 5 of these bride’s
maids went to heaven but 5 of these bride’s maids went to hell. The
Bible says that the cry of Christ’s coming will happen at the
I. A FAITHFUL DIVISION
(VV.1-9)
There were 10 virgins but in the mind of God there was a division and when
Jesus comes again the division that is unseen to us will be exposed for
all to see. A closer look reveals:
 | All ten had a good reputation (virgins – moral purity) (v.1a) |
| All went to meet the Bridegroom (tells us that in the church today it is hard to tell who’s really saved and who really isn’t – look the same, talk the same, etc. From the outside appear saved! But the Bible says there is coming a day when there is going to be a division and you see clearly who’s saved and who isn’t.) Notice the progression… |
| All had an outward testimony (lamps)
(v.1b; 3) But ½ of them were lost. The foolish had no oil (Holy
Spirit) (Rom 8:9; 14) "…Now
if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. {14} For
as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of
God." That tells me that they have the exterior
but not the interior-they
have a profession but not a possession-the
have a confession but not a commitment-they
have the words (got the language down) but they do not have the Lord!
The Bible says that when you’re saved you can know it because of the
witness of the Spirit, (Rom |
“Preacher,
I’m saved!” Well, let’s look for the fruit. (Gal. 5:22-25) This is
the witness of the Spirit without which you have no
oil!
·
The sad thing is that they had plenty
of time to get oil in their lamps (v.5). Even the truly save slept (God
help us!) The Lord is giving you
another chance don’t waste it!
·
At the
·
You cannot borrow salvation. (vv.7-9)
II. A FRANTIC DESPERATION
(VV.10-11)
The opportunity to be saved will not always be there! God shuts the door.
What will shut the door on your opportunity for salvation?
A.
Death Will Shut
The Door
After death there is no chance of salvation. They are trying to find oil
(v.10) but after the coming of Christ there is no oil to be found and
after death there is no oil to be found.
B.
God’s Deadline Will Shut The Door
The patience of God has a limit. God is gracious to call, but one day will
draw the line on your sin. (Prov 1:24-27) "Because
I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man
regarded; {25} But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of
my reproof: {26} I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your
fear cometh; {27} When your fear cometh as desolation, and your
destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon
you." (Illus: The sin that God will not forgive).
C.
The Rapture Will
Shut The Door
Friend, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. At the
III. A FRIGHTENING DECLARATION
(VV.12-13)
Don’t miss this. Notice what the Lord says to them. The saddest words in
all of the Word of God have to be, “I know you not!” The issue today
is not do you know Jesus. The issue is does Jesus know you!
Conclusion: This passage tells me it is possible to go to church, be a member of a church, and be busy in the work of the church, and be lost. Do you have oil in your lamp? Are you saved?