Keep your lamp filled with oil!

Jesus Parable of Ten Bridesmaids

Matthew 25:1-13 NLT
[1]  “Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. [2] Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. [3] The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, [4] but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. [5] When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. [6]  “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’ [7]  “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. [8] Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ [9]  “But the others replied, ‘We don’t have enough for all of us. Go to a shop and buy some for yourselves.’ [10]  “But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked. [11] Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ [12]  “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ [13]  “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.25.1-13.NLT

Keeping oil in our lamps means being filled with the Spirit. The presence of the Holy Spirit testifies that you belong to Him. The Holy Spirit is the promise to those who believe in His name; who repent and believe in the Gospel, the good news.

The parable of ten virgins. Five were foolish and weren’t paying attention. They were preoccupied with this world and its ways. They were busy partying and living the good life. They weren’t prepared or paying attention to the bridegroom. He wasn’t their first priority. So often we think we have forever, and the thought of Christ returning doesn’t seem to have a major effect on how we live our lives.

Having our lamps filled with oil, with our flasks filled as well, means we’re ready and waiting, because he could return at any moment. No person knows the day or the hour. But when he does return, how will he find those who belong to Him? By the state of their “lamp.”

You are the light of the world, sitting on a lampstand for all to see. Others won’t see a lamp that is slowly fading. Lamps fade unless they are properly trimmed and there is a constant supply of oil to fuel them. Don’t let your flame flicker, fade, or burn out. God will supply the oil we need, as we continue to make him our first and foremost priority over everything else. (Matthew 6:33)

The five wise virgins were prepared. Their lamps have plenty of oil to last them until the bridegroom returns. Are they being greedy and selfish by refusing to share their resources? No they’re not. We all must be prepared for the bridegroom’s return. Others can’t save us, we must have our own oil; our own filling of the Holy Spirit. God has provided all of heaven’s resources for us to remain in Him and He in us. We cannot ride into his kingdom on the coattails of others. We must have our own garment and our own lamp filled with oil.

Matthew 7:22-23 NLT
[22] On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ [23] But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.7.22-23.NLT

Psalms 5:4-5 NLT
[4] O God, you take no pleasure in wickedness; you cannot tolerate the sins of the wicked. [5] Therefore, the proud may not stand in your presence, for you hate all who do evil.

https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.5.4-5.NLT

Our first “works” is to remain in His word, to be filled with the Spirit. Then we’ll be properly prepared to do every good deed. Doing good deeds alone, without His Holy Spirit guiding us is merely works without faith. Faith and works must be simultaneous. Faith without works is a dead faith. Works alone without faith is the equivalent of serving religion. Many people go to church, donate their time, money and resources, but so often it’s for the recognition or the personal benefits of being benevolent and philanthropic.

Those who have a Kingdom mentality, who serve God and others through their good works, do it because of their faith, love and obedience to God, in response to His grace and mercy, and His great love for them. Those who have experienced His love firsthand will respond by seeking His Kingdom and His righteousness first and foremost.