Get Ready For The Lord

Get Ready For The Lord

1 Cor. 16:13-22

INTRO: "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?

1 Corinthians 16:13 - 22

^{13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
^{14Let all your things be done with charity.
^{15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
^{16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
^{17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
^{18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
^{19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
^{20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
^{21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
^{22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
This is a great section of scripture….
Paul calls for steadfast face that is strong and mature. - 13
He calls for love among us, knowing how strong it can be -14
He looks forward to close workmanship - 15

Unguarded labor without jealousy, working only for the ministry of the saints

He calls out his praise for those who do such for the Lord - 16
He praises those who can help, even if different - 17

Their efforts came at a good time - 18
Our efforts do not go unnoticed or unrewarded, no matter what Satan whispers
All believers appreciate (salute) those who work for the Lord

We find two more things of importance here …}}}}}}}}}}

Anathema – Accursed!

Lack of dependence on Christ

Dependence on works

Dependence on rituals

Dependence on gifts (money)

Dependence on memberships

Dependence on ancestry

Dependence on self

So in his same breath, Paul proclaims…
Maranatha "O Lord come!"

Rejoicing at the thought of His return

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

Ready as a servant that has labored

Ready to receive an eternal reward

Ready to thank the one who gives us hope

Ready as one who desires to see his master

Ready to see our loved ones

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 - New Beginnings Church - 050607pm - first used - -041298easter