“Are You Ready?”
Strange Tales—Part 10
Matthew 25:1-13
July 14, 2013

1. THE ROAD TO READINESS.   

I Must Take A Personal Approach To Getting Ready.
            “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins
             who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.”
v 1

I Must Take A Prudent Approach To Getting Ready.
            “The bridegroom was a long time in coming…” v 5a

I Must Take A Practical Approach To Getting Ready.
            “Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish
             ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The
             wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.”
v 2-4

I Must Take A Positive Approach To Getting Ready.
            “…and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.” v 5b

2. THE REASON FOR READINESS.
    “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out
     to meet him…Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the
     day or the hour.” v 6, 13

3. THE RESULTS OF READINESS.
    “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The
      foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our
     lamps are going out.’  ‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be
     enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and
     buy some for yourselves.’ ‘But while they were on their way to
     buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready
     went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. 
     ‘Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the
      door for us!’  ‘But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know
      you.’” v 7-12