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

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

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

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

I. Background Information II. The Virgins Are Alike

Looks Learning Labor Longing Location Lingering

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

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

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 . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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”