The Danger of a Delayed Decision

PPHC - Matt. 25:1-13 – 10/28/07

I. The Ten Virgins

A. There Are Two Groups - [Wise and Foolish (professors of religion)]

1. The similarities

a. They were all virgins, lamps; all expecting the bridegroom’s coming; they all went to sleep.

2. The difference

a. The wise had an extra supply of oil, the foolish didn’t

B. The Wise Virgins - The true Christians who have had a personal experience of salvation

C. The Foolish Virgins

1. They profess to know Christ.

2. Go to church, say their prayers, give in the offering, partake of the Lord’s supper, sing in the choir.

3. These stand afar off and criticize the true Christians if they attempt to go farther than themselves.

D. The Oil

1. The symbol of the Holy Spirit – (Exod 27 lamps in the sanctuary);

2. The wise had not only a profession (lamp), but also had the indwelling Spirit in their hearts (vessels)

3. The foolish only had a profession (lamp), with nothing in the heart

II. The Bridegroom - (Jesus Christ)

A. He Tarried - v. 5

1. Illust. - “Weddings were always held at night in the East. Often the festivities lasted for an entire week and at any time during that week the bridal party was expected to appear. The bridegroom would come to get his bride...” - Ray Stedman

a. As the night wore on, they grew tired and sleep came upon them

2. Compared to Christ’s Coming

a. Scoffers today say, “Where is the promise of His coming?” 2 Peter 3:4

1. Previous parable of the households - The unfaithful servant says, “my Lord delays His coming” Matt. 24:48

2. The following parable - “…after a long time” - Matt. 25:19 - the master comes demanding an account

a. He tarries today 1(to exercise our faith) and 2 (to give sinners space to repent – Rev. 2:21)

· 1 Pet. 3:19 – The longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah (120 years)

· 2 Pet. 3:9 – “He is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish.”

b. We don’t know “when”, but we do know he “will” return - Matt. 24:36 only the Father knows when.

· I dare say, if we were certain that Christ would return this very day, we would be on fire for Him. But because He doesn’t come when we expect Him, we grow tired of waiting.

B. The Virgins Slumbered and Slept - v. 5

1. Both wise and foolish virgins grew weary and slept

a. Many Christians, today, are in a state of drowsiness that comes from inactivity; slothfulness in performing religious duties, being satisfied with only an outward show; they have an indifference concerning the interest of Christ; they are weary of spiritual exercise.

C. The Midnight Cry - v. 6

1. It came when they least expected it - “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.”

a. Prophets cried that the Messiah was coming to the Jews, today’s ministers are warning of His coming

b. 1 Thes. 5:2 “...the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.”

· Not for those that are “prepared”…but for those that are “unprepared.”

III. Last Minute Preparations

A. They All Arose - v. 7

1. They put themselves in a posture to greet the bridegroom.

2. Though they all postured themselves, they were not all in a POSITION for greeting.

3. The foolish also rise, maybe seeing their need of salvation, but not having the needed time.

B. “They Trimmed Their Lamps” - v. 7

1. The wise removed whatever hindered the clear burning and renewed the oil supply in their lamps.

2. The foolish also trimmed theirs (putting on external performances – going thru the motions).

C. The Request for Oil - “our lamps are going out.” - v. 8

· Imagine the terror in their hearts as they see the lights from the bridegroom’s caravan drawing near.

1. They now discover their own folly and the wisdom of the wise.

2. They may have thought before that the wise were over-righteous, but now they wished to be like them.

a. They may have thought themselves truly prepared for the bridegroom.

b. Looking the same as the wise, up until now; now they realize, too late, what they’ve trusted in want take them in.

3. “Give us...Go and buy from those that sell.” - vv. 8-9

a. They weren’t being arrogant - there was only enough there for them, no more.

b. They COULDN’T supply them grace; comes from the Father of mercies, the Spirit of Grace, and Jesus, full of grace and truth.

c. “…Go buy...” - an IMPOSSIBILITY - all the shops were closed.

d. They ran off, trying to find a supplier of oil - they were sincere...yet, TOO LATE.

1. What happens to the ALMOST CHRISTIAN??????

IV. The Closed Door

A. The Wise Went In To the Marriage

B. The Foolish Also Came To the Door - it was closed

1. W/fear and urgency in their voices, they cried to be let inside

C. “I know you not” - v. 12

1. Strangers aren’t welcomed at weddings - only family and friends

D. “Watch Therefore...” - v. 13

1. Prepare yourselves

2. Do His business until He comes