Parable of the Ten Virgins Sermon | The Ugly Truth on Being Ready
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon Outlines
INTRODUCTION: [ Beginning of this parable of the ten virgins sermon ]
1. The Background of the Parable
a. This parable finds its setting during the week leading up to the death of Jesus on the cross.
b. Matthew 23:37-39 … Jesus leaves the temple for the last time
c. As Jesus leaves this impressive structure and looks back, notice what is said … Matthew 24:2
d. Jesus and His disciples then go up to the mount of Olives, which had an impressive view of the temple, and the Lord’s disciples ask two questions:
1) When will the temple be destroyed?
2) When will you come to destroy the world?
3) Jesus answers these questions one at a time:
a) The temple destruction (Matthew 24:4-34)
b) The final destruction (Matthew 24:35-51)
4) As a side note, consider this significant point: Signs would be seen leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem, but no signs would be seen leading up to the end of the world.
5) To develop these points even more, Jesus proclaims three parables in Matthew 25
a) Parable of the Ten Virgins (vs. 1-13)
b) Parable of the Talents (vs. 14-30)
c) Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (vs. 31-46)
2. Parable of the Ten Virgins and the Bridegroom
a. The weddings in the ancient east were almost always at night, involving ten maidens
b. The bridegroom would go to the house of the bride to escort her with pomp and gladness either to his home or another place for a period of feasting
c. The ten virgins would have their lamps burning awaiting the wedding party at some point along the way, and they would then join the procession to the feast.
d. Many times the bridegroom would tarry at the home of the bride, and it would be late before he went to the place of celebration.
e. The virgins were to remain alert with their lamps burning, no matter what time or how late the bridegroom and his company came by.
f. If the virgins went to sleep, or did not have sufficient oil in their lamps to keep them burning, or if they were gone for some reason when the bridegroom came, they would miss out on the festivities, and would bring embarrassment to themselves.
DISCUSSION: [ Discussion of this Parable of the Ten Virgins Sermon ]
A. The Parable of the Ten Virgins Itself
1. Matthew 25:1-13
2. The “virgins” represent those in the kingdom, or the church
3. The coming of the bridegroom represents the Second Coming of Christ
4. The “lamps” represent the faith of Christians
5. The “extra oil” symbolizes good works that accompany our faith
6. Jesus proclaims this parable to teach us the urgent need to always be prepared for His Second Coming.
B. The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that We MUST BE PREPARED because just having our name on the church role is no guarantee of heaven
1. There are one of two directories that Christians usually put their stock in
a. The church directory
b. The Lamb’s Book of Life
2. Consider some biblical examples of those who were in “church directories,” but not in the Lamb’s Book of Life:
a. The Parable of the Sower … 2/3 were lost
b. The Parable of the Talents … 1/3 were lost
c. The parable of the Ten Virgins … 1/2 were lost
3. The five foolish virgins were not lost because they were evil, mean, or unconcerned – but because they were unprepared and lack foresight
4. It is not just those who are in the church who will be saved, but those who are prepared and in the church
C. The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that We MUST BE PREPARED because no one can do it for us
1. The five foolish virgins sought the “oil” (good works) of the five wise virgins (v. 8)
a. Character and obedience are not transferable
b. The five foolish virgins needed to bring their own oil
c. Romans 14:12
2. Therefore, we must be PREPARED:
a. Outwardly – “by having our lamps”
1) Obedience is an outward form or preparation
2) Romans 6:17-18
3) One example of “outward preparation” is faithfully attending worship services
b. Inwardly – “by having oil in our lamps”
1) To have faith without obedience is like having a lamp without oil
2) 2 Peter 1:5-9
c. It is obvious that many Christians are allowing their lamps to go out
1) Many do little work for the Lord
2) Many do not faithfully attend worship services
3) Many give so little of their self, their time, and their money to the Lord
d. In the day of Judgment we will be without excuse
1) The five foolish virgins could blame no one but themselves
2) There will be no “passing of the buck” in the day of Judgment.
D. The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that We MUST BE PREPARED because of the Second Coming of Christ
1. The fact of Christ’s Second Coming
a. Acts 1:9-11
b. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
2. The Second Coming will reveal our true character
a. In the parable of the Ten Virgins they all appeared to be alike until the bridegroom came
b. In the church we may all appear to be alike, but when Christ comes again we will see that there are many hypocrites in the church
1) Romans 2:16
2) 1 Corinthians 4:5
c. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
3. There will be no second chance
a. They could not buy oil at midnight
b. They were no allowed in
CONCLUSION: [End of this Parable of the Ten Virgins Sermon.]
Surely, it was a lot of trouble for the virgins to dress for the wedding feast, have their lamps with them, and keep oil in their lamps – BUT the celebration was worth it all
Likewise, it takes a lot of effort and time to serve the Lord today, but when He comes again – the eternal celebration of joy in heaven will be well worth it!
Exhortation.