Sermon Notes

Pastor Rick Brennan 10/26/25

The Enlightenment of the Holy Spirit Series #4

"More Than Just a Parable" Mt. 25:1-13

This month about some of the parables of Jesus, this teaching on the Kingdom of heaven as he taught, the author said let those who have ears let him hear. For those. Will learn to apply His word to their lives. They will get a whole new level of understanding of the Kingdom of Heaven.

So, what is the Kingdom of Heaven? It represents God's sovereign (absolute) rule (administration), reign, and power over all things. God’s will supreme and is established through Jesus Christ ministry, His death, and His resurrection.

These next two enlightenments are direct warnings to the body of Christ. Those who will call on His name and desire to grow in their relationship with God through Christ. The theme is the nature of being prepared to wisdom and faith in God's Word! It is filled with symbolism and insight.

This parable takes place during a time when Jesus is answering his disciple’s questions. There are three questions #1 tell us when these things will happen? (He describes times both near and far.)  #2. What will be the sign of your coming and #3 what will be the sign of the end of the age? You have this terrible message, was: No matter what comes or when, be prepared! He then tells this parable.

Most notable: this parable is about and to believers; those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord! There are ten (it is the number of perfection) bridesmaids waiting for the bridegroom. This parable is for God's people to hear and understand. The role of the bridesmaids to light the way that the bride and she made her way to the groom's house for the wedding.

What separated the foolish from the wise or prudent? PREPARATION! Since you did not know exactly when the groom would arrive, you need to make sure you have enough oil. The groom is coming, but we do not know exactly when.

Versus 5- 6:  Since 500 AD, there have been over fifty predictions and “revelations” that Jesus was coming on this special day. We reminded in 2Peter 3:3-4 of that fact and that it will continue until Christ finally returns for His people.

Because of it, people will grow weary, drowsy, and begin to sleep. They will lose interest, become complacent, and forget about the groom.

When least expected, (Mt: 24:44) the shout will go out, (Mt. 24:27) and the time is now! For most of us, waking up from sleep can be extremely hard. That is where we need wisdom. Becoming alert after being asleep can be difficult and if I am not prepared, I may drift away.

Mt. 25: 11-12: I know this parable may seem cruel, and we are warned continually that the day will come. And if we are not ready, we will be left behind. Let me bring it to you now: these are believers who started out well, but some rested on their achievements and got side-tracked. We must feed our faith daily. Are you prepared for the long haul? It comes at a high price.

In this parable the oil represents the Holy Spirit. We must build our relationship with Him. In the world of instantaneous. The Holy Spirit has no shortcuts. Therefore, we told, to be alert! Let him who has ears to hear, let him hear! 

Practical applications. 

1. Spiritual preparation. 

This parable urges continual readiness- not frantic anxiety, but faithful stewardships of spiritual resources. How do we cultivate the oil of faith? Prayer, service, reflection, and engagement in life. This parable calls us to faith that is deep-rooted, not superficial.

1.  Personal responsibility.

Wise bridesmaid cannot lend their oil to the foolish; Some things cannot be shared. Like authentic, faith, spiritual discipline, and/or a personal relationship with God. This parable invites us to take ownership of our spiritual growth, collaborating with the Holy Spirit.

1.  Living with uncertainty.

Not knowing exactly when the bridegroom would arrive mirrors our own encounters with uncertainty in our lives.! But be it during our lifetime, in death, or trying to understand the workings of God. The call is not to know all the answers but to persist in being ready, trusting that God’s timing is always perfect.

In an age marked by distractions, immediacy, and spiritual apathy. Mt. 25:1-13 remains profoundly relevant to us all. 

The temptations to rely on past events or experiences, to neglect ongoing discipline, or to even assume that opportunity will always remain, is ever present. We are urged to, “Keep Watch.”

For centuries now, this warning has given to us. It serves as a reminder to us to ourselves daily and be prepared for the ultimate spiritual encounter?