Our life is like a lamp that needs to be filled with the oil of God’s grace. God’s precious promises will fill you so you can shine for him. You will then be ready to meet Jesus.

Notes and Next Steps
Matthew 25:1-13 +  Part 12 of the series "The Parables of Jesus: What's Your Story?"

All hunters need to wait. Not all are prepared. How do we keep from missing the opportunity of an eternal lifetime?

At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” 

Then all the bridesmaids 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.” (Matthew 25:6-9)

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.” 

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matthew 25:11-13)

They had one job. Be ready. But 5 of them didn’t think the groom was important enough to keep watch.

What are we filling our lives up with? Beware of fake oil!

Jesus has prepared all the oil we will ever need. 

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP
Choose seven Biblical promises or gospel truths from God. On 3x5 cards write out each one. Put them up in your home where you will see them. Consider sharing a promise a day on your social media.

Discussion Questions

1. Choose seven Biblical promises or gospel truths from God. On 3x5 cards write out each one. Put them up in different places you will see them. Consider sharing a promise a day on your social media.
2. Describe a time when you were spiritually empty. What are 3 different things with which you filled your life but didn’t really satisfy? 
3. What are ways you can get more “gospel oil” into your life?
4. It’s easy to get lazy or tired as we wait for Jesus. What have you learned that helps you to keep on keeping watch?