TEXT:  Matt. 25:1-13

INTRODUCTION:

A.      A POWERFUL EXHORTATION TO GET READY FOR HIS COMING.

B.      THOSE WHO WERE READY WERE ACCEPTED BY THE BRIDE GROOM.

C.      THE OTHERS WERE NOT ABLE TO OBTAIN OIL FROM THEIR SISTERS, BUT

          THEY WERE DENIED ENTRANCE AFTER THEY OBTAINED.

D.      JESUS IS SAYING – PREPARE NOW, BEFOREHAND, FOR THERE WILL BE

          NO PREPARATION POSSIBLE ON THAT DAY.

I.      AS THE VIRGINS HAD A TIME TO PREPARE FOR, SO DO WE.

A.      JESUS HAS PROMISED TO COME AGAIN( Phil. 3:20-21;  Heb. 9:27-28 ).

B.      THIS IS THE HOPE OF ALL DISCIPLES( Acts 1:9-11 ).

II.     WHAT WILL HAPPEN ON THAT DAY THAT DEMANDS

        PREPARATION?

A.      ALL THE DEAD WILL BE RAISED( John 5:28-29 ).

B.      ALL ARE GOING TO BE JUDGED( 2 Cor. 5:10 ) WHAT IS INVOLVED?

          1.       What is the criteria or standard of judgment?

                   a.       John 12:48.  The teachings of Jesus.

                   b.       Acts 17:31.  The life of Jesus.

          2.       What is to be judged?

                   a.       Our deeds( 2 Cor. 5:10 ).

                   b.       Our obedience to God’s will( Matt. 7:21-23 ).

                   c.       Our thoughts and motives( Heb. 4:12 ).

                   d.       All the secrets of men( Heb. 4:12-13 ).

          3.       What will be the results?

                   a.       The righteous will be rewarded( Gal. 6:9;  Titus 3:7 ).

                   b.       The unrighteous will be punished( 2 Thess. 1:7-9;  Rev. 20:15 ).

                   c.       Rom. 5:5-11.

          4.       Is it fair, then, for us to be judged by the perfect Christ with so much at stake?

                   ( John 5:26-27;  1 Tim. 2:5;  Heb. 4:15-18;  1 Cor. 10:13 ).

III.    WHEN ARE WE TO PREPARE?  WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?

A.      Matt. 25:13.  THE VIRGINS?

B.      TEACHING OF JESUS( Matt. 24:36, 42-44 ).

C.      THE APOSTLES( 2 Pet. 3:10;  1 Thess. 5:1-3 ).

D.      WE DARE NOT LET OUR GUARD DOWN!

E.      DO NOT DOUBT ITS COMING( 2 Pet. 3:1-13 ).

F.      WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?( 2 Cor. 6:2 ).

IV.   WE MUST ALSO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF DEATH.

A.      James 4:13-17.

B.      BUT WE WILL STILL BE JUDGED ON THAT DAY( Heb. 9:27 ).

CONCLUSION:

A.      ARE YOU PREPARED TO MEET GOD IN JUDGMENT?

B.      ARE PREPARED TO DIE?

C.      DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THE COMING OF JESUS?

D.      HAVE YOU DONE THE LORD’S WILL?( Heb. 5:8-9 ).