2. “The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today”
Mt.25:1-13
I. Background Information

3. Destruction of Jerusalem His final coming and Judgment
Mt.24
Tuesday, Lord’s last week
He prophesied –
The only uncertainty: would disciples remain faithful?
Destruction of Jerusalem
His final coming and Judgment

4. Three parables would prepare them
Unexpectedness of His coming Mt.24:42-44
Active, obedient watching Mt.24:45-51
Prepare for a long delay Mt.25:1-13

5. Parables illustrate heavenly things
Three stages in typical Jewish wedding
Engagement
(agreement by fathers)
Betrothal
(mutual promises)
Marriage
(usually a year later)

6. I. Background Information II. The Virgins Are Alike

7. Looks
Learning
Labor
Longing
Location
Lingering

8. III. The Foolish Virgins Are Unlike Other Sinners
I. Background Information
II. The Virgins Are Alike
III. The Foolish Virgins Are Unlike Other Sinners

9. Idolaters Mt.19
Indifferent Mt.22:5-6
Insincere Mt.22:15-18
Ignorant Mt.22:23…29
Inaccessible Mt.23:13, 37

10. IV. The Foolish Virgins Are Like Those Who . . .
I. Background Information
II. The Virgins Are Alike
III. The Foolish Virgins Are Unlike Other Sinners
IV. The Foolish Virgins Are Like Those Who . . .

11. Are in church, but forget (Ja.1)
Have knowledge, but do not obey
Are moral, but do not serve God
Are sentimental, but unwilling to sacrifice. Mt.7:22
Have enthusiasm, but do not continue

12. V. Applications I. Background Information II. The Virgins Are Alike
III. The Foolish Virgins Are Unlike Other Sinners
IV. The Foolish Virgins Are Like Those Who…
V. Applications

13. 1. The meaning of the parable
Bridegroom is Christ, Mt.9:15
Virgins are Christians who await His coming
Salvation is conditional
We must not grow weary…Ga.6:9

14. Be watchful and alert for . . .
Dangers
Mt.24:42-43; 26:41; Ac.20:31; 1 Pt.5:8; Rv.3:3
Opportunities
Mt.25:13. Col.4:2

15. 2. We must prepare for a delay, 2-4
Had He returned quickly, even the foolish would have been ready
Mt.24:48; 25:19
Emphasis: keep on watching!
Family. Bible study. Attendance

16. 3. We can make some preparation and still be lost, 7
I am a regular . . .
But do you live in view of His coming?
reader
listener
teacher
member

17. 4. We cannot be saved by the goodness of others, 8
The wise could not share oil any more than we can share obedience
We cannot borrow righteousness. Ex.32:32-33; Ro.9:1-3
Catholicism: Purgatory; Saints; Supererogation
Unprepared people: 2 Sm.18

18. 5. We have to prepare ‘for ourselves’ (9)
No one else can prepare for us
Lk.16:..9

19. 6. Soon it will be too late to prepare, 9-13
12: no relationship (cf. 30, 41)
13: 24:42-43
“Short is life; fleeting is time; quick is death; sure is judgment; long is eternity. Therefore, what thou desire to do, do it quickly”