Parable of the Ten Virgins – The Savvy Christian Is Prepared
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Textual Sermon OutlinesSUBJECT: Jesus’ Parables:
TITLE: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
PROPOSITION: To set forth an exposition of Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13.
OBJECTIVE: To help each of us be ready for Christ’s return and judgment.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Matthew 25:1-13.
2. Regarding the text:
1) This parable divides itself into four parts, naturally.
2) These are:
a. Preparation;
b. Participation;
c. Preclusion; and
d. Pronouncement.
3. Reference to S.T.P.O.
DISCUSSION: In this parable we have —
I. Preparation, 25:1-10a.
1. Wisdom is adequate.
1) Five virgins took lamps and oil.
2) This preparation required foresight.
2. Foolishness is not adequate.
1) Five virgins took only lamps.
2) This preparation was for only here and now.
3. Do you desire your children to be leaders, in any realm? Teach them to deny self.
1) Why did the foolish not take extra oil?
a. They might be tired by the extra weight.
b. They might save some money.
c. Who knows?
2) Those who were wise denied themselves to the extend that:
a. They bore the extra burden; and
b. They paid the extra price.
4. The wise could not share with the foolish.
1) No one has enough righteousness to share with others.
2) The wise ones did the only thing they could do in suggesting that the foolish go and buy more.
3) The problem for the foolish virgins was that it was too late to make proper preparation.
4) There is NO repentance after death.
II. Participation, 25:10b.
1. It is so simple.
2. Those who prepare go to heaven.
3. Those who are unprepared will not go to heaven.
4. Preparation for heaven involves:
1) Believing in Jesus, John 8:24;
2) Repenting of sins, Luke 13:3;
3) Confessing faith in Christ, Matthew 10:32-33; and
4) Being immersed for the purpose of receiving remission of sins, salvation, Mark 16:15-16.
5) Providing extra oil for the time of waiting:
a. The Christian life of service to God and man;
b. Striving for perfection; and
c. being truly and constantly penitent and gaining daily forgiveness from God.
5. With this preparation we will truly participate in heaven.
III. Preclusion, 25:11-12.
1. There are several sad things in this part.
1) The girls came and called out, “Lord, Lord.” Matthew 7:21.
2) These girls requested that the Lord open the door.
a. What right did they have to make this request?
b. They were part of the original parade,
c. Only those who were invited could be such.
d. These foolish girls were part of the kingdom,
e. But they were shut out of the wedding feast, heaven.
3) The Lord replied, “I do not know you.” Confession must be more than mere words ONLY, Matthew 10:32-33.
2. The saddest thing is that it was SO unnecessary.
1) God’s word is available to all, Acts 17:30;
2) God’s grace is for all men, Titus 2:11;
3) Being unprepared is inexcusable.
IV. Pronouncement, 25:13.
1. The whole parable is this point.
2. Watch!
3. Be ready!
4. Why?
5. The day and the hour is unknown and unknowable to humanity.
6. Jewish rabbi, “Live any way you want, and the day before you die get right with God.
CONCLUSION:
1. In this parable we have seen:
1) Preparation;
2) Participation;
3) Preclusion; and
4) Pronouncement.
2. Be alert! Be watchful! Be Prepared!