Anathema Maranatha
1 Cor. 16:13-22



INTRO: Easter-- a time of serious reflection in many people’s lives. It is a time for dressing up, for going to church, remembering Christ’s trip to the cross.

I am going to look at a different area today. The greatest thing about Easter is NOT His trip to the cross, but his accomplishment at the cross. JESUS LIVES.

"Accursed" or anathema (Gk.) means "set aside for judgment." "O Lord, come!" is a translation of the single word maranatha, which is Aramaic and which was probably commonly used in prayer, expressing a desire for the Lord's return. The term may be translated either "until He comes" or, simply, "come."

It seems almost cruel if we only read the first section of this key verse. Anathema! Indeed would Paul have been so cruel and uncaring?
 

We find two things of great importance here…

  1. Anathema – Accursed!

    2.  
    1. Lack of dependence on Christ

      2.  
    2. Dependence on works

      3.  
    3. Dependence on rituals

      4.  
    4. Dependence on gifts (money)

      5.  
    5. Dependence on memberships

      6.  
    6. Dependence on ancestry

      7.  
    7. Dependence on self


    So in his same breath, Paul proclaims…
     

  2. Maranatha "O Lord come!"

    3.  
    1. Rejoicing at the thought of His return

      2.  
    2. Ready for a rest from our labors –knowing we have done what we can!

      3.  
    3. Ready as a servant that has labored

      4.  
    4. Ready to receive an eternal reward

      5.  
    5. Ready to thank the one who gives us hope

      6.  
    6. Ready as one who desires to see his master

      7.  
    7. Ready to see our loved ones

      8.  
    8. Ready to rejoice with Him in eternity
CONCLUSION: So when we say Anathema! we need to say so with a since of urgency, with a caring VS. 14. With the knowledge that we have tried our best! Not with the attitude, "It’s their problem!"
 

Also when we call out the claim, "Maranatha!" let it be with a thrill in our hearts and voice. Looking forward, even longing for that blessed day when our labors are over and a life of blessedness awaits.
 

Can you call out the word Maranatha in your heart? Does it excite you to know that the Lord is coming for us? Are you ready? Are you happy about His return? Is it Anathema? Maranatha?
 
 

Maranatha! Maranatha! Maranatha I say Maranatha!

Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist -041298easter