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I. THE CHARACTERS DELINEATED.

1. That the visible Church is composed of persons of opposite states and conditions.

2. That it is not always easy to distinguish the truly pious from those who are destitute of the root of the matter. All had lamps. Form one thing, inward life another.

3. That one special feature by which all who possess the wisdom which cometh from above are distinguished, is the provision they make, not only for their more immediate wants, but also for future contingencies.

II. THE IMPORTANT EVENT ANNOUNCED "While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept."

1. A mournful statement — "My Lord delayeth his coming."

2. An arousing cry — "Behold, the bridegroom cometh."

3. A solemn summons — "Go ye out to meet him."

III. The RESULTS WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSPIRED.

1. A hurried preparation — "Then all those virgins arose," etc.

2. A sad discovery — "Our lamps are gone out."

3. A happy entrance — "Went in with him," etc.

4. An unavailing appeal.

(Expository Outlines.)

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KJV: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

WEB: "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.