Virtual Bible Study

Colossians 3 - New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

PUT OFF THE OLD MAN

5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— 11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

PUT ON THE NEW MAN

12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. 15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

HOLINESS IN FAMILY LIFE

18 Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them.20 Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

HOLINESS IN WORK LIFE

22 Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve. 25 For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.

Colossians 3 - Lesson

SIX THINGS WE CAN DO EVERY DAY TO TRANSFORM OUR LIVES

FOLLOWING JESUS AND NOT THE WORLD

What does it mean to, “Set your minds on the things above, not on the things that are on earth?” (Colossians 3:2)

Simply put, it means to follow Jesus and not the world!

In Colossians Chapter 3, the Apostle Paul lists ten things that followers of Jesus should not partake in:

1) Immorality,

2) Passion,

3) Evil desire,

4) Greed,

5) Anger,

6) Wrath,

7) Malice,

8 Slander,

9) Abusive speech,

10) Lying.

These are the sins of the world, and they are not things that Christians should partake in.

As Children of God, we have a higher calling.

As Jesus’ disciples, our focus needs to be different than that of the world.

As Christians, we are to spend our time on earth doing two things:

1) Glorifying God,

2) Serving others.

Anything else is a distraction.

As Christians, we are supposed to demonstrate the following virtues:

1) Compassion,

2) Kindness,

3) Humility,

4) Gentleness,

5) Patience,

6) Forgiveness,

7) Love.

WE NEED TO CHANGE WHAT WE DO AND HOW WE THINK

The Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2.

What does the above scripture mean?

In practical terms, it means that we are to stop doing a lot of the things that we used to do and align our behavior with God’s wishes.

This means developing new habits fueled by a desire to glorify God and serve others.

A transformation is a lot of little things, not one big thing. And the time for us to get right with God is now!

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – a Chinese proverb.

BEGINNING EACH DAY WITH A PRAYER

For starters, we can begin each day with a prayer.

Maybe we have something that we want to thank God for?

Or maybe we have something that has been worrying us and we want to ask for His help?

Perhaps we have a big decision to make, and we want to pray for wisdom.

Starting off each day with a prayer sets the proper tone for the day, it pleases God, and it makes us feel great!

Being transformed means carving out time to pray.

DAILY BIBLE STUDY

After we wake up and pray, many of us will review in our minds what we have planned for the upcoming day.

This allows us to prioritize what we will do that day.

Being transformed means that scheduling time to be in God’s word is our priority.

Regular Bible study is critical if we want to make it to Heaven. It is one of five matters of salvation that are mentioned in the Bible.

GIVING THANKS

Another thing that we can do every day is to give thanks to God.

Even during our worst days, we have something to be thankful for.

We need to make sure that our thoughts and actions convey an attitude of gratitude towards God.

Paul wrote in his first letter to the Thessalonians:

“In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

BEING KIND

Kindness is contagious, and it is free!

It costs us nothing to be kind to people, and it can have a profound impact on their lives.

Kindness also has a ripple effect.

As others see our smiling faces and our humble demeanor, they are more inclined to smile and be humble themselves. And this pleases God.

Every interaction that we have with a person is an opportunity for us to be kind to them.

More importantly, kindness is a fantastic way to spread the Gospel!

Why?

Because when we are genuinely kind to people, they can sense our authenticity.

When they trust us and know that we are kind and gentle, they are more likely to share their testimony, and how they are doing in their Christian walk.

And this can lead to all kinds of good things, one of which is we may very possibly be presented with the perfect opportunity to share the right scripture at the right time with this person.

Theodore Roosevelt famously said:

“People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

He was right!

The more we show kindness to others, the more opportunities we will be presented with to share the Gospel. And this brings glory to God.

And once people are presented with the Gospel, God can do incredible things!

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth .” – 1 Corinthians 3:6.

SERVING OTHERS

A transformation can be as easy as committing to doing at least one thing each day for someone else. Serving others makes us feel great and it shows others that we care.

It is also one of the best ways to evangelize.

Acts of kindness bring people together in miraculous ways.

If we want to please God, we need to look for opportunities to serve others and not ourselves.

If we do, our reward in Heaven will be great!

“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” -James 1:12.

Jesus said:

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” – Mathew 20:28.

Jesus was always seeking out ways to serve others. Shortly before His death, He washed the feet of His disciples. They did not understand why Jesus, The Son of God, would do that. Jesus explained it to them as follows:

“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” – John 13:14-17.

ENDING EACH DAY WITH A PRAYER

And the last thing that we can do each day to transform our lives is to end the day with a prayer.

If we begin each day with a prayer, and end each day with a prayer, we will be amazed at how God will work in our lives, and we will be transformed, spiritually.

God wants us to share what is on our minds and in our hearts.

“The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears
and rescues them from all their troubles. ” -Psalm 34:17.

CONCLUSION

There are six things that we can do every day that will transform our lives:

1) Start every day with a prayer,

2) Set aside time to study the Bible every day,

3) Give thanks to God,

4) Be kind to others,

5) Serve others,

6) End our day with a prayer.

According to the book, Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey, it takes twenty-one days to make a habit.

Why not start your transformation today?

If Dr. Covey is right, in just three weeks, you will have developed habits that will transform your lives and feed your souls!

We will conclude today’s lesson with the following scripture taken from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Brothers and Sisters in Colossae:

"Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth." – Colossians 3:2.

Matthew 26 - New American Standard Bible (NASB)

When Jesus had finished all these words, He said to His disciples,2 “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion.”

3 Then the chief priests and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priest, named Caiaphas; 4 and they plotted together to seize Jesus by stealth and kill Him. 5 But they were saying, “Not during the festival, otherwise a riot might occur among the people.”

MARY ANOINTS JESUS FOR BURIAL

6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, at the home of Simon the l***r, 7 a woman came to Him with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume, and she poured it on His head as He reclined at the table. 8 But the disciples were indignant when they saw this, and said, “Why this waste? 9 For this perfume might have been sold for a high price and the money given to the poor.” 10 But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you bother the woman? For she has done a good deed to Me. 11 For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. 12 For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial.13 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be spoken of in memory of her.”

JUDAS AGREES TO BETRAY JESUS

14 Then one of the twelve, named Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests 15 and said, “What are you willing to give me to betray Him to you?” And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver to him. 16 From then on he began looking for a good opportunity to betray Jesus.

THE PASSOVER IS PREPARED

17 Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to a certain man, and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’” 19 The disciples did as Jesus had directed them; and they prepared the Passover.

THE PASSOVER IS CELEBRATED

20 Now when evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples. 21 As they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me.” 22 Being deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” 23 And He answered, “He who dipped his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. 24 The Son of Man is to go, just as it is written of Him; but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 25 And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself.”

THE LORD’S SUPPER IS INSTITUTED

26 While they were eating, Jesus took some bread, and after a blessing, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” 27 And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; 28 for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”

PETER’S DENIAL IS PREDICTED

30 After singing a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of Me this night, for it is written, ‘I will strike down the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall bescattered .’ 32 But after I have been raised, I will go ahead of you to Galilee.” 33 But Peter said to Him, “Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You.” All the disciples said the same thing too.

JESUS’ THREE PRAYERS

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.”

39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”

JESUS’ BETRAYAL AND ARREST

47 While He was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came up accompanied by a large crowd with swords and clubs, who came from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who was betraying Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the one; seize Him.” 49 Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, do what you have come for.” Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him.

51 And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear.52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?”

55 At that time Jesus said to the crowds, “Have you come out with swords and clubs to arrest Me as you would against a robber? Every day I used to sit in the temple teaching and you did not seize Me. 56 But all this has taken place to fulfill the Scriptures of the prophets.” Then all the disciples left Him and fled.

TWO FALSE WITNESSES

57 Those who had seized Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together. 58 But Peter was following Him at a distance as far as the courtyard of the high priest, and entered in, and sat down with the officers to see the outcome.

59 Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, so that they might put Him to death.60 They did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward. But later on two came forward, 61 and said, “This man stated, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to rebuild it in three days.’” 62 The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You not answer? What is it that these men are testifying against You?” 63 But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power , and coming on the clouds of heaven .”

65 Then the high priest tore his robes and said, “He has blasphemed! What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, you have now heard the blasphemy; 66 what do you think?” They answered, “He deserves death!”

67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him with their fists; and others slapped Him, 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, You Christ; who is the one who hit You?”

THREE DENIALS OF PETER

69 Now Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, and a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.” 71 When he had gone out to the gateway, another servant-girl saw him and said to those who were there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man.” 73 A little later the bystanders came up and said to Peter, “Surely you too are one of them; for even the way you talk gives you away.”74 Then he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!” And immediately a rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said, “Before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.

Matthew 26 - Lesson

STAYING FAITHFUL IN HARD TIMES

JESUS’ LIFE BEGAN WITH SUFFERING

Shortly before the birth of Jesus, Joseph and Mary had to leave their home in Nazareth to register for the Roman census.

The unpaved, hilly trails would have been a challenge for anyone, but for the pregnant Mary, the ninety-mile trip had to be especially difficult.

When they arrived in Bethlehem, Mary gave birth to Jesus, but there was no room for them in the Inn. Therefore, Jesus had to be laid in a manger.

The word “manger” comes from the Latin word for chew or eat. It refers to a trough where horses and donkeys and cattle ate. (Source: desiringgod.org)

Luke wrote about this in the following scripture:

“While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:6-7.

EVERYONE WILL SUFFER

The life of Jesus shows us that nobody is exempt from suffering.

1) Not Jesus,

2) Not the apostles,

3) Not Joseph,

4) Not Mary,

5) And not us!

We have already established that when Jesus was born, He had to be placed in a cattle trough because there was no room at the Inn.

This was certainly a humble and challenging beginning for the Savior of the World! And things were about to get worse!

Shortly after Jesus’ birth, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said:

“Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” – Mathew 2:13.

Joseph obeyed the angel and did exactly what he was asked to do.

JESUS’ LIFE ENDED WITH SUFFERING

Jesus’ life on earth began with suffering, and it ended the same way.

Mathew Chapter 26takes place in the final days of Jesus’ life on earth.

In the following scripture, we see Jesus explaining to His disciples exactly what was about to happen to Him:

“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion .” - Mathew 26:2.

Jesus was understandably troubled as the time of His violent death approached.

Because He was both God and man, He was able to feel all the stress and anxiety that you would expect from somebody who was about to experience what Jesus was to go through.

In fact, the emotions were so strong, that Jesus suffered a rare condition known as hematidrosis.

According to webmd.com, hematidrosis is caused by, “Extreme distress or fear, such as facing:

1) Death,

2) Torture,

3) Or severe ongoing abuse.

JESUS PRAYED AND OBEYED

As the hour of His death approached, three timesJesus went away by Himself to pray.

He asked His Father to see if there was any way for Him to avoid the events that were about to take place.

That was the human side of Jesus.

Three times Jesus said to His Father:

“My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me.” (Mathew 26:39, Mathew 26:39, and Mathew 26:42).

He ended each prayer by affirming His obedience to God.

“Yet not as I will, but as You will.” – Mathew 26:39, Mathew 26:39, and Mathew 26:42.

These nine words are the takeaway from today’s lesson.

"Yet not as I will, but as You will."

Just as Jesus did, we should bring our worries and problems before God and ask for His assistance.

But it does not end there.

Like Jesus, we need to finish our prayers by affirming our allegiance and obedience to God, whether we get the answer that we are hoping for, or not.

CONCLUSION

Jesus was not immune to adversity.

He suffered more than any of us ever will.

And yet, Jesus remained faithful and obedient to His Father, regardless of the circumstances that He found Himself in.

That is the takeaway for us!

Life will get hard. When it does, we need to follow the perfect example of Jesus who remained faithful and obedient until the end.

If we follow His example and remain faithful and obedient until the end, we will be rewarded with a home in Heaven for all eternity!

“The one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” – Mathew 24:13.

We will end today’s lessons with the following words spoken by the Apostle Paul in His second letter to Timothy. These are the same words that we hope to be able to say when our time on earth is done:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” - 2 Timothy 4:7.

Matthew 25 - New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ 10 And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. 11 Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ 12 But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.

PARABLE OF THE TALENTS

14 “For it is just like a man about to go on a journey, who called his own slaves and entrusted his possessions to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another, two, and to another, one, each according to his own ability; and he went on his journey. 16 Immediately the one who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained five more talents. 17 In the same manner the one who had received the two talents gained two more. 18 But he who received the one talent went away, and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master’s money.

19 “Now after a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents came up and brought five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you entrusted five talents to me. See, I have gained five more talents.’ 21 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

22 “Also the one who had received the two talents came up and said, ‘Master, you entrusted two talents to me. See, I have gained two more talents.’ 23 His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’

24 “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. 25 And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’

26 “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. 27 Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. 28 Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’

29 “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away. 30 Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

JUDGEMENT OF THE GENTILES

31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.

34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; 36 naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38 And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You?39 When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’

41 “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ 44 Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ 45 Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 25 - Lesson

BEING PREPARED | THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS

THE PARABLE OF THE TEN VIRGINS

Every word of Mathew Chapter 25 is spoken directly by Jesus.

The chapter begins with what is referred to as the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Mathew 25:1-13). This parable tells the story of ten virgins:

Five who were foolish,

And five who were prudent.

It is this parable that will be the focus of today’s lesson:

“Then the kingdom of Heaven will be comparable to ten virgins, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were prudent. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the prudent took oil in flasks along with their lamps. Now while the bridegroom was delaying, they all got drowsy and began to sleep. But at midnight there was a shout, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said to the prudent, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the prudent answered, ‘No, there will not be enough for us and you too; go instead to the dealers and buy some for yourselves.’ And while they were going away to make the purchase, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut. Later the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open up for us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” - Mathew 25:1-13.

This parable was spoken by Jesus as a warning to make sure that we are prepared for His return.

THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS

Nobody knows when Jesus is going to return, except God (Mathew 24:36).

Because of this, we must do everything that we can, with a sense of urgency, to be prepared!

Consider these words spoken by Jesus:

“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone. For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then there will be two men in the field; one will be taken and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left. Therefore, be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming. But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For this reason, you also must be ready; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” – Mathew 24:36-44.

BIBLE VERSES ABOUT BEING PREPARED

The Bible has a lot to say about the importance of being prepared.

For today’s lesson, we have highlighted the following five verses:

1) “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you.” - 1 Peter 3:15,

2) “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith.” - 1 Corinthians 16:13,

3) “Go to the ant, you lazy one. Observe its ways and be wise, which, having no chief, officer, or ruler, prepares its food in the summer and gathers its provision in the harvest.” -Proverbs 6:6-8,

4) “By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” -Hebrews 11:7,

5) “Be on the alert then, for you do not know the day nor the hour.” -Mathew 25:13.

CONCLUSION

The Parable of the Ten Virgins tells the story of five virgins who were foolish, and five who were prudent, or prepared.

What Jesus is talking about in this parable is His Second Coming.

And since nobody knows when that will be except God, the time to get prepared is now.

Listed below are five matters of salvation. If any of these are lacking in your life, the time to act is now, as none of us are promised another day.

1) Believe in Jesus. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” – Acts 16:31,

2) Confess our belief in Him. “For with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” – Romans 10:10,

3) Repent (turn away from) of our sins. “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” – Luke 13:3,

4) Be baptized. “ Baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ .” – 1 Peter 3:21 and “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” – Mark 16:16,

5) Obey God’s commandments. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” – Mathew 7:21.

We will end today’s lesson with the following scripture:

“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and engage in business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a v***r that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.” James 4:13-14.