How can we ensure we are like the wise virgins in our daily lives? Setting the Scene—Matthew 25:10 “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.” Why the Wise Were Ready • They had oil—ongoing fellowship with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). • They were alert—active expectancy of Christ’s return (Matthew 24:42). • They were separate from the foolish—personal responsibility for spiritual preparedness (Galatians 6:4-5). Oil for Today’s Lamps—Living in the Spirit • Daily surrender: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16) • Continuous filling: “Be filled with the Spirit.” (Ephesians 5:18) • Dependence, not crisis purchases—oil is stored over time, not bought at midnight. Watchfulness Woven into Routine • Morning evaluation—invite the Spirit to search and shape motives (Psalm 139:23-24; 2 Corinthians 13:5). • Ongoing alertness—recognize subtle compromises (Song of Songs 2:15, “little foxes”). • Evening reflection—confess, thank, reset (1 John 1:9). Keeping the Flame Fed—Practical Habits 1. Word immersion – Read, memorize, meditate (Psalm 1:2-3). 2. Prayerful conversation – Short, frequent prayers that keep the wick trimmed (1 Thessalonians 5:17). 3. Obedient action – Faith expressed in works (James 2:17) stirs fresh oil. 4. Fellowship & accountability – Iron sharpening iron (Proverbs 27:17); community lamps burn brighter together. 5. Service & witness – “Let your light shine” (Matthew 5:16); shared oil multiplies, never diminishes. Guarding Against Spiritual Drowsiness • Beware routine religiosity—Ephesus lost its first love (Revelation 2:4-5). • Refuse lukewarmness—Laodicea’s complacency invites exclusion (Revelation 3:16-20). • Stay sober-minded—“Let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8) Cultivating Virtue—Evidence of a Full Flask “Make every effort to add to your faith…” (2 Peter 1:5-8) • Goodness • Knowledge • Self-control • Perseverance • Godliness • Brotherly affection • Love These qualities keep us “from being ineffective or unproductive” and assure us we will “receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom” (vv. 8, 11). Eyes on the Wedding Supper “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready.” (Revelation 19:7) Living ready today—lamp trimmed, oil stocked, eyes fixed—ensures the door will open wide when the Bridegroom arrives. |
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