Ready or Not – When Preparation Can No Longer Be Borrowed
Matthew 25:8–13 (KJV) “And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you…”
INTRODUCTION
There comes a moment in life when preparation becomes personal.
Up until now, people have helped you.
Covered for you.
Prayed for you.
Carried you.
But there is a season when borrowed oil runs out.
Some lessons can’t be learned at midnight.
CONTEXT & CONTINUITY
In Week One, we learned: Everyone is invited.
In Week Two, we learned: Same time does not mean same choices.
Now we learn: Preparation cannot be transferred.
Faith is personal.
Obedience is personal.
Readiness is personal.
EXPOSITION
The foolish cry out, “Give us of your oil!”
They asked for a shortcut instead of preparation.
The wise responded, “Not so.”
This was not selfishness—it was stewardship.
You can borrow a sermon—but not conviction.
You can borrow a prayer—but not devotion.
PREPARATION IS NECESSARY
The wise understood:
If I give you what I worked for, we both miss the moment.
Eventually, everyone must stand on their own oil.
PANIC REVEALS UNPREPAREDNESS
Panic happens when delay meets lack.
Preparation produces peace.
Lack produces desperation.
People want marriage without maturity.
Success without discipline.
Blessing without obedience.
But character is not built in a crisis—it is revealed.
THE CLOSED DOOR
“And the door was shut.”
The closed door was not punishment—it was consequence.
Opportunities have windows.
Moments require readiness.
ILLUSTRATION
You don’t study after the test starts.
You don’t plant after harvest.
Preparation comes first.
CALL TO ACTION
Are you ready right now?
Where is your oil?
What are you delaying?
ALTAR / CLOSING APPEAL
Lord, teach us to prepare while the door is open.
Teach us to value oil before midnight.
Ready or not—He’s coming.