“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

“At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

“Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

“‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

“But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

“Later the others also came. ‘Sir! Sir!’ they said. ‘Open the door for us!’

“But he replied, ‘I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.’

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” —Matthew 25:1–13

What does it look like? How do we prepare and participate?

Expectation + Preparation = Faith demonstrated (2 Kings 4:1-7)

1) Running on empty - “blessed”

2) Relying on someone else’s oil

3) R u “fillable” - readying the vessel

4) Recognizing and releasing what you already have releases the miracle of multiplication.

Those containers? Worship, prayer, gathering, giving.

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

• When you take a trip, do you plan, or are you a last-minute packer?

Let’s Talk About It

God invites us to participate with Him in building His kingdom. But we often just try to survive and don’t prepare God to work through us to bring revival. We receive from God what we expect and prepare for. Let’s sharpen our faith by filling the “containers” of our spirit with worship, prayer, gathering, and giving. When we fill our lives with the presence of Christ, His Spirit moves through us to bring the miraculous.

Matthew 25:1-13; 2 Kings 4:1-7

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

• Read Matthew 25:1-13. What does this passage teach us about God and the importance of being ready? What does this practically look like? How do we prepare?

• How do expectation and preparation work together to demonstrate our faith?

• Read 2 Kings 4:1-7. What do you have in your house? What gifts, talents, and resources might God want to use to reach people and expand His kingdom?

• Check your oil. Are you preparing for survival or revival? If survival, what step can you take to prepare for God to use you in a greater way? If revival, what are you currently doing that might fuel someone else’s faith?

Take a Step

• What practical step can you take this week to put this message into practice?

Here’s My Prayer

Father, I invite Your presence to fill every aspect of my life. Thank You for being with me to empower me in every situation I face. Encourage me with the truth in Your Word this week, and help me pray boldly, believing that You can do more than I can ask or imagine. In Your mighty Name, Amen.