What ARE We Waiting For? Stay Ready

Introduction:

Three Lies Unprepared People Tell Themselves (Matthew 25:1-13):

  1. I'll always have Time later. (Matthew 25:6,10)
  2. I'm prepared because I'm with the right Group . (Matthew 25:8,12)

    Matthew 7:21-23 - "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' 2And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

  3. Oil isn't that important. (Matthew 25:8-9)

Five Evidences of Salvation:

  1. I love and long for God's Word .

    1 Peter 2:2 - Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation...

  2. I live in Repentance .

    Matthew 3:8 - Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

  3. I am Growing more spiritually mature.

    Philippians 1:6 - And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

  4. I love other Christians .

    1 John 3:14 - We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

  5. I love giving Money .

    Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

    Revelation 19:9 - And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb."

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Matthew 25:1-13

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. How do we know this passage is about final judgment and not the rapture? (Hint: See Matt 25:12).How do these principles apply for us today?

  3. What does the oil represent? What does this have to do with the foolish virgins not being allowed into the marriage feast?

  4. What evidence of salvation (of those listed) do you struggle with the most? Is this a point of growth in your walk, or does this make you question if you have a true walk with Christ at all?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

Want more eschatology teaching?

Catch up on the previous verse by verse teaching through Revelation

Catch up on the previous verse by verse teaching through 2 Thessalonians