Keep Watch: So the Bridegroom won't find you sleeping”

   

                                                          

Main Text: Matthew 25:1–13

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

Introduction

Jesus told the parable of the ten virgins to warn us about the importance of being ready for His return.
All ten had lamps, all were waiting for the bridegroom, and all fell asleep.
But when the decisive moment came, only five were prepared.

This parable is not about unbelievers, but about people within the community of faith — those who claim to be waiting for Jesus.
The difference between them was not outward appearance, but inner preparation.

When Christ returns, many will seem ready, but only those who keep the flame of the Spirit burning will be truly prepared to meet Him.

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1-All were waiting for the bridegroom, but not all were ready

The ten virgins represent the Church — God’s people who confess His name.
All had lamps, which symbolize faith and the light that comes from the Word of God.

But there was one crucial difference: the oil.
The oil represents the Holy Spirit — living communion with God, a daily life of prayer, repentance, and obedience.

The foolish virgins had lamps, but not enough oil. They are like Christians who have the appearance of devotion but lack the Spirit’s life within them.
The lesson is clear: form without life is useless.
It is not enough to know the Bible; we must live the Word.
It is not enough to attend church; we must walk with Christ daily.

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2-The bridegroom was delayed, and they all became drowsy

The delay of the bridegroom represents the time of God’s patience.
He has not yet returned because He wants more souls to repent (2 Peter 3:9).

During this waiting time, many grow tired, lose focus, and stop watching.
Trials, comfort, and worldly distractions can lull us into spiritual sleep.

But notice: they all fell asleep, even the wise ones.
The difference was not the sleep, but the preparation before it.
Those who have the oil of the Spirit may go through weakness or silence, but their flame does not go out, because the Spirit sustains them even in the darkest night.

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3-At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom!”

This cry symbolizes the sudden and unexpected return of Christ.
It will come like lightning, like a thief in the night.
At that hour, there will be no more time to buy oil, no more time to fix what was neglected.

The wise entered, and the door was shut.
The foolish arrived later, crying, “Lord, Lord, open for us!”
But the bridegroom replied, “Truly I tell you, I do not know you.”

What terrifying words for those who once thought they were among the saved!
The closed door represents the lost opportunity.
Now is the time of grace. Now is the time to fill our lamps with the oil of God’s presence.

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Conclusion

Dear brothers and sisters, Christ will return, and no one knows the day or the hour.
The question is: Are we ready?

Do you have oil in your lamp?
Have you been seeking the Holy Spirit daily?
Or has your faith become just an appearance — a flame that is almost extinguished?

Today, the Spirit of God calls you to wake up, to renew your oil, to rekindle the fire.
Because the spiritual midnight has already come. The world grows darker, but those who are filled with the oil of true faith will shine until the day He appears.

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Let's Pray?

 

        Lord Jesus, awaken us from spiritual sleep.

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and rekindle in us the fire of our first love.
May we not be caught by surprise when You return, but found faithful, with our lamps burning brightly, waiting for Your call.
Give us a vigilant and obedient heart, so that we may one day hear the words:
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
In Your holy name we pray, Amen.