Kingdom Living leads to Wisdom

Why did Jesus speak so often about the Kingdom of Heaven, and try to illustrate for us what it was like? Only in the answer to that question do we grasp all that knowing Him brings to our lives.

Kingdom Living leads to living above what we could otherwise. It leads to wise living

Matthew 25:1-13
1. Wise Living Perceives Human Commonalities Unlearned
There were common traits all 10 possessed.
*they all had lamps
*they all went to meet the bridegroom
*they all got drowsy
*they all rose up and trimmed their lamps

This typifies all things we as humans have in common. Things we don't have to study or learn-- they come natural to us because we are humans.
Things such as anger, pride, greed, gossip, lust, addiction, sorrow, death, sickness..... These are all things the Bible calls Sin. This must be grasped, because it reminds us that in our own strength, in our own nature, we have nothing to please God or win His favor.

"all we like sheep have gone astray..." Isaiah 53:6
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God..." Romans 3:23

2. Wise Living Prepares for a Promise Unknown
" went out to meet the bridegroom..." verse 1
they didn't know for sure when the bridegroom was coming, but the knew he was. And they were prepared for him. Jesus is the bridegroom, and we are wise if we are awaiting His return, living in a way that honors Him and shows we know Him and are eager for His return. The bridegroom's absence was normal. He would leave and prepare the home they would eventually live in. The bride and the wedding party never knew just how long that may take-- months or even years. But the bride knew her beloved would return for her. Likewise, Jesus has promised to return for His beloved bride...

*Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth,…Rev. 16:15
*And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:3
*the angel said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts 1:11

3. Wise Living Perseveres in Postponement Unexplained
"while the bridegroom was delaying..." verse 5

they didn't know, and some were ill prepared when the time actually came. The wise were willing to stay at the task, even though it seemed he delayed longer than they wanted, expected, or anticipated.
Our Lord's delay is not our concern, we cannot know the day or the hour, but we are to be ever ready for His return. It could be any day.

4. Wise Living Possesses the Essential Unborrowed
"the foolish said to the wise,'give us some of your oil...', but the wise answered,
saying 'No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves." verse 9

the wise brought enough, but the foolish wanted to borrow some. What they needed, they had acquired for themselves, but it would not do for the foolish, they had to go and buy some for themselves. Every person has to go the same place to get what they need for eternityh-- that is the cross of Christ. At salvation, we are prepared for eternity. What someone else has is not enough-- we can't get into heaven on a second-hand religion. Having an uncle who is a preacher, or a godly mother, or deacon as a father is not enough. It is something each individual must possess of his own. What I have cannot give you salvation. Every person that has ever been saved got it the same way at the same place-- by faith in Jesus Christ as the one and only mediator for their sins.

5. Wise Living Faces Future Eternity Unafraid
"the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast, and the door was shut..." verse 10

You don't fear death or dying when you know the bridegroom. Many have such a fear-- they just don't want to think about it. Others have a huge, dark question mark over their souls when they think of death and their readiness for it. Jesus tells this parable so that we know He is coming, and that we can indeed be ready when He returns. Are you ready?