A Journey in Matthew: Keep Awake
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’
7“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’
9“ ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’
10“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11“Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’
12“But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’
13“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Phronimos (thoughtful/prudent)
Moros (dull/senseless)
The Importance of Watchfulness (Matthew 25:1-4)
lampas (the lamp)
angeion (the vessel)
Your "lamp" will go out because your "vessel" was never filled with the discipline of the hidden hours.
Does your current spiritual routine have enough "oil" to keep your flame from flickering into darkness?
The Cost of Spiritual Negligence – Missed Opportunity (Matthew 25:5-10)
In 2 Peter 3:9 it says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”
Apo-kalupsis - the "unveiling."
Are you relying on the "glow" of the person sitting next to you, or is there a flame burning from your own jar?
Faithful Living Requires Readiness (Matthew 25:11-13)
Ginosko - know
You never brought your brokenness to Me in the secret place.
You never leaned on My strength when your own failed.
You were a fan of the event, but you were a stranger to the Person.
Faithful living isn't about passing a one-time spiritual exam; it's about the consistent cultivation of friendship
60 minute mandate:
* Identify the leaks
* Establish the Reserve
* Trim the Wick
The Groom is coming. Is your lamp lit, or are you just holding a clay jar?