The Most Neglected Thing in the Kingdom of God

The final part in a teaching series by Mike Bickle. Continued from Two-Fold Inheritance: Heart and Ministry

I. Ministries recognizing their lack of oil and diminishing ministry

The most neglected thing in the Kingdom of God is… God! Remember now: “Lovers” always out work “doers.”

The foolish said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.” The wise answered, “No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.” While they went to buy, the Bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, “Lord, Lord, open to us!” He answered, “Assuredly, I say to you, ‘I do not know you.'” Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor hour in which the Son of Man is coming. (Mt. 25:8-13)

God is saying to us: “My Kingdom will make it if you spend time with Me.” The foolish leaders recognize the mistake of their neglect of getting oil. Spiritual preparedness is not transferable. We must engage in the God-ordained process of acquiring oil.

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed… (Rev. 3:18)

Many will miss out on future opportunity to be used in their fullest way. The Lord did not know or recognize them as those who engaged with Him as the Bridegroom God. This is not a reference to salvation as when Jesus said, “I never knew you!” (Mt. 7:23). Jesus did not call them “evil” (Mt. 24:48), “wicked and lazy” (Mt. 25:26), or “cursed” (Mt. 25:41).

Jesus makes a distinction between good leaders (v. 46-47) and evil ones (v. 48-51). Jesus had just addressed them in Matthew 23 (Pharisees). They are referred to as “wicked and lazy” (Mt. 25:26), “fearful” (Mt. 25:25) and “cursed” (Mt. 25:41)

In Matthew 25:1-13, Jesus further categorizes the good and sincere leaders into “wise” and “foolish,” so as to prepare us against the thief who will come to steal our heart inheritance as the way to our ministry inheritance, if we are not watchful (Mt. 24:43). This is the main theme of this passage.

Then later in Matthew 25, Jesus addresses our ministry inheritance in this age and how it affects our ministry inheritance in the age to come. Jesus addresses our inheritance for our heart, then for our ministry. He reveals how a dull heart will affect our ministry and then reveals in 25:14-30 how our ministry inheritance in this age affects our ministry inheritance in the age to come.