The Oil in the Lamp

Consider the parable of the ten virgins

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 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: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
- Matthew 25:1-13 (KJV)

The Oil

An interesting aspect of this parable is with regards to the oil in the lamps.

Some have suggested that the oil represents the Holy Spirit.

And what does the Holy Spirit do?

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
- John 14:26 (KJV)

The Holy Spirit can only bring things to remembrance that are already in your mind.

If that's true, then we ought to read the Word of God as much as possible, so that we understand who God is, and what is about to happen in the last days.

It can also be said that reading the Word of God changes who you are, e.g. it affects your character as you think about what you just read.

Ellen White points out that character is not transferable.

But character is not transferable. No man can believe for another. No man can receive the Spirit for another. No man can impart to another the character which is the fruit of the Spirit's working.
- Ellen White, Christ Object Lessons, p. 412

So, even if you want to help someone, you probably can't.

By the way

The virgins in this parable are a reference to the "bridal party". They're not all going to marry the groom in other words.