How to emulate the wise virgins?
What practical steps can we take to be like the wise virgins?

Setting the Scene

Jesus tells of ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. Five take extra oil; five do not. When the cry rings out, only the prepared enter the wedding feast (Matthew 25:1-13). Verse 4 captures the difference: “But the wise ones took oil in jars along with their lamps.” The lesson is simple: readiness is not a momentary impulse; it is a way of life.


Key Verse

Matthew 25:4

“But the wise ones took oil in jars along with their lamps.”


Seeing the Symbolism

• Lamp = visible profession of faith

• Oil = inner reality—ongoing fellowship with the Holy Spirit (cf. Zechariah 4:6; 1 John 2:27)

• Jar = the habits that keep that fellowship supplied


Practical Step 1: Treasure the Oil—Cultivate Genuine Faith

• Start with the new birth. No amount of religious activity replaces a heart changed by Christ (John 3:3).

Romans 10:9 reminds us: “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

• Authentic conversion gives you oil to begin with; everything else maintains the supply.


Practical Step 2: Keep Filling—Daily Fellowship with the Spirit

Ephesians 5:18: “Be filled with the Spirit.” The verb is continuous—keep on being filled.

• Set aside time each day to read Scripture, listen, and respond.

• Invite the Spirit to illuminate truth and empower obedience (John 16:13).


Practical Step 3: Trim the Wick—Regular Repentance and Obedience

• A lamp with an untrimmed wick smokes and dims.

1 John 1:9 promises cleansing when we confess sin.

• Obedience clears away the buildup that stifles our light (James 1:22).


Practical Step 4: Guard Your Supply—Avoid Spiritual Complacency

Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.”

• Limit influences that drain zeal—entertainment, relationships, conversations that dull sensitivity to the Spirit.

Hebrews 12:1 urges us to “lay aside every encumbrance.” Identify yours and let it go.


Practical Step 5: Stay Awake—Live with Expectant Hope

1 Thessalonians 5:6: “So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.”

• Keep the return of Christ on your calendar—today could be the day (Titus 2:13).

• Regularly rehearse the promise of His coming; anticipation shapes priorities.


Practical Step 6: Shine for Others—Active Service and Witness

Matthew 5:16: “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

• Serve in your local church, invest in someone younger in the faith, share the gospel where God opens doors.

Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit that should flavor every interaction—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.


Practical Step 7: Check the Clock—Redeem the Time

Ephesians 5:15-16: “Be very careful, then, how you walk—not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

• Build margin for kingdom priorities:

– Schedule scripture reading like any vital appointment.

– Set reminders to pray for specific people.

– Plan generosity—budget for it.


Final Encouragement

Paul could say near the finish line, “I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). The bridegroom is coming; the door will open. Keep the oil stocked, the wick trimmed, and the lamp burning bright.

How does Matthew 25:4 connect with being prepared for Christ's return?
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