Learning to Wait: Keeping yourself in Spiritual Shape

THIS PREACHING WILL TEACH US ON WAITING WHILE KEEPING YOURSELF SPIRITUALLY FIT

1. “Learning to Wait” Keeping Yourself in Spiritual Shape JUDE 1:21b

2. JUDE 1:21 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.

3. Waiting on the Lord is vital for maintaining spiritual shape. Learning to wait on God is essential for staying in spiritual shape and walking in alignment with His purpose for our lives.

4. LEARNING TO WAIT The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13): Learning How to Wait The Purpose of Waiting on the Lord Waiting with Hope and Expectation Practical Ways to Wait on God

5. Matthew 25:1-3 1 “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them,

6. Matthew 25:4-6 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. 5 As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. 6 But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’

7. Matthew 25:7-9 7 Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’

8. Matthew 25:10-11 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. 11 Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, Lord, lord, open to us.’

9. Matthew 25:12-13 12 But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.

10. Lessons from the Parable: Be Spiritually Prepared (Matthew 25:4) Stay Alert (Matthew 25:13) Don’t Rely on Others’ Preparation (Matthew 25:8-9)

11. Matthew 25:4-6 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.

12. Matthew 25:12-13 13 Watch therefore , for you know neither the day nor the hour.

13. Matthew 25:8-9 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’

14. The Purpose of Waiting on the Lord Character Development (James 1:2-4) Spiritual Strength (Isaiah 40:31)

15. James 1:2-4 2 Count it all joy , my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds , 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect , that you may be perfect and complete , lacking in nothing.

16. Isaiah 40:31 31 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

17. Waiting with Hope and Expectation Hope in Christ’s Return (Titus 2:13) Eternal Perspective (Colossians 3:1-2) Wait for Mercy

18. Titus 2:13 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,

19. Colossians 3:1-2 1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

20. Practical ways to wait on God Be Prepared, Like the Wise Virgins (Matthew 25:10) Pray with Persistence (Luke 18:1-8) Serve Faithfully (Galatians 6:9) Worship in Waiting (Philippians 4:6-7)

21. Matthew 25:10 10 And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.

22. Luke 18:1 1 And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.

23. Galatians 6:9 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

24. Philippians 4:6 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

25. Philippians 4:7 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

26. CONCLUSION Waiting is not passive but an active part of staying in spiritual shape. Jesus’ Parable of the Ten Virgins shows us the importance of being spiritually prepared, vigilant, and filled with the Holy Spirit. Stay spiritually fit by praying, seeking God’s Word, and serving while you wait.

27. CONCLUSION Don’t be like the foolish virgins who were unprepared, but rather like the wise who waited with expectation and readiness for the Lord’s return.