Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

Prepare Yourself

Intro.

1. We all have faced situations for which we were unprepared (test, a job interview, etc.). Can bring inconveniences and sometimes, very painful results.

2. Worst pain of all is being unprepared spiritually.

3. Parable of 10 virgins teaches us to prepare ourselves for the Lord’s return, Matt. 25:1-13.

I. WHEN WE ARE UNPREPARED FOR THE LORD’S RETURN.

A. We Are Foolish, Matt. 25:2 (knew they needed oil). cf. Eph. 5:15-16 (Lazy, negligent, distracted, unimportant…)

B. We Are Wasteful, Eph. 5:16. Not ready for their opportunity, the five foolish virgins missed the blessed wedding, 25:8-12.

C. We Are Self-Centered and Self-Indulgent, Luke 12:13-21.

-Focused only on ourselves, we are unprepared to meet God or serve others (Matt. 25:41-46).

D. We Are Weak in Our Faith, cf. Matt. 24:44-51.

II. WE MUST PREPARE TO SUCCEED.

A. Prepare for Life.

1. By depending on God and His will, James 4:13-17.

2. By remembering and obeying God, Eccl. 11:9-12:1, 13-14.

3. By learning wisdom, honesty, labor, kindness, etc.), Prov. 9:10; Eccl. 5:18-20.

4. For life’s relationships—

a. Marriage: Godly mate; Commitment, faithfulness devotion, love, responsibility, sharing, sacrifice… (Eph. 5:22-33).

b. Becoming parents: Sacrifice, time, money, energy (unselfishness), discipline, instruction, etc. (Eph. 6:4).

B. Prepare to Serve God, Matt. 28:20.

1. Faithful student of His word, 2 Tim. 2:15.

2. Devoted teacher of the gospel, 1 Tim. 4:13-16.

3. Be a worker in the kingdom, Matt. 9:37-38.

C. Prepare for Our Death, Heb. 9:27; cf. 2 Kings 20:1.

1. Become a Christian (obey the gospel), Rom. 6:16-18, 23.

2. God wants you to come to repentance – 2 Pet. 3:9-10.

3. What hinders you? Acts 8:36 (Acts 22:16; 2 Cor. 6:2)

D. Prepare for Our Judgment, Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:10; Amos 4:12.

1. By avoiding sin, watching, and praying, Luke 21:33-36.

2. By faithful living, Rom. 2:3-11.

-Be Saved – Be Faithful – Be Growing

Conclusion

1. How sad to miss heaven because we were unprepared, Matt. 25:11-12.

2. A sister in Christ once told me of a neighbor who never would obey the gospel despite years of effort. The day before she died her neighbor said, “I’ve waited too long!”

3. Don’t wait too long. Prepare yourself to meet the Lord.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted February 23, 2022