These are the notes from a message spoken on Sunday 30th November, 2009. The parable of the foolish and wise virgins was explored to reveal the true state of the church today, and the part believers have to play, both individually and corporately, to defend and contend for the Truth of God’s Word, and the authenticity of His indwelling Holy Spirit in our lives.
Matthew 25:1-13
1 “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
2 Now five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them,
4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
5 But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept.
6 “And at midnight a cry was heard: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him!’
7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.
8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’
9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’
10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut.
11 “Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’
12 But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.’
13 “Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
Who are the virgins?
The virgins represent the church. They were all supposedly awaiting the return of the Bridegroom. It may or may not mean anything specifically, but it’s worthwhile noting that half of those waiting for Him were counted as foolish.
Who had the lamps, and what did they represent?
Note that all the virgins had lamps, both wise and foolish. The lamps represent the Word of God, which is a lamp unto our feet Psalm 119:105. Just as in the church, all have access to the revealed Word of God in the Bible.
What was the difference between the wise and the foolish?
The difference was that the wise took sufficient oil to burn now, but also to continue to burn if He should be delayed. But the foolish just had sufficient to burn here and now, but nothing prepared should there be any delay. This can be a typical reflection of the attitudes of those in the church; some (foolish) just look to here and now, and to immediate answers. Whereas others (wise), look further beyond, knowing that their hope is beyond here and now.
What does the oil represent?
Firstly the oil represents a knowledge of the Word. As Jesus says:
John 8:31-32
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
It is not just the Word that makes you free, but an abiding knowledge of it. The foolish had only a superficial knowledge of the Word, and as a result had only enough oil to last for a short time. Whereas the wise had an intimate knowledge of the Word, knowing their life depended upon it (abiding/living in it), and as a result had sufficient oil to last the course of time needed.
Secondly, and more importantly, it represents the Holy Spirit abiding within us. The foolish had only a limited amount of oil to burn, because they were relying on their own knowledge and understanding. However the wise not only abode in His Word, but He in them too. It is His presence within us that burns brightly without fail, and never fades. And it is His Spirit abiding within us that produces much fruit in our lives, not us. That is why He could say in Matthew 25:12 above “assuredly, I say to you, I do not know you.” Because He did not abide within them.
John 15:4-5
4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
Who are those who sell the oil?
If the lamp represents the Word of God, and the oil is the knowledge of His Truth and His Spirit, then it stands to reason that the oil sellers are those who claim to have a hold on both. Without it being necessary to go into detail, a simple glance at the visible church will reveal such people and ministries. Those who claim to belong to the Lord, and claim to offer His truth, but in reality all that is offered is counterfeit. The ONLY source of the Truth of God revealed to us, belongs in the Holy Bible, and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit to minister His truth through our lives.
Conclusion:
If we wish to be considered amongst the wise and not the foolish, we must heed carefully what the Word of God has to say about His return, and turn away from idle chatter, personal opinions, and the traditions of men. We must be eager to abide in His Word, knowing that our lives depend on it, and knowing that it contains all that we need to lead us safely home. Also we must be constantly willing and ready to examine ourselves closely to ensure the Holy Spirit does actually dwell within us, and we are not allowing ourselves to be deceived.
2 Corinthians 13:5-6
5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified.
6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.
Also we must seriously consider the peril that faces those who have already been taken in by those who sell counterfeit oil. We must not be afraid to confront other Christians with the truth, even when this leads to division, for we are commanded not to ignore the works of darkness, but expose them by His Light.
Read together to finish:
Ephesians 5:8-21
8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light
9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),
10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
12 For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.
13 But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.
14 Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep, Arise from the dead, And Christ will give you light.”
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,
16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,
20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Sourced from: Townhill Christian Fellowship Blog
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