Anathema Maranatha (1 Cor. 16:22) (Part 3)

"MARANATHA"

EXPLANATION

• The word 'maranatha' is an Aramaic word that was tied to the doctrine of the Lord's coming.
• 'Maranatha' has been interpreted three ways.
• Our Lord came. 
• This use confirms Jesus' incarnation, ministry, crucifixion, and burial.
• Our Lord is at hand. 
• This use confirms Jesus' Resurrection and His actual presence during Communion.
• Our Lord is coming.
• This use confirms Jesus' Second Coming.

ILLUSTRATION

• The early church anticipated the immediate return of Jesus.
• Titus 2:13 > “ . . . looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus . . ."
• 1 Thess. 4:16-17 > "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord."
• 1 Jn. 3:2 > "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be.  We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is."
• Rev. 22:12 > "Behold, I am coming quickly . . ."

APPLICATION

• What are you looking for?
• Are you looking for the return of Jesus?
• If so, how does that impact the way you live?
• What did you recently deny yourself because Jesus wouldn't be pleased with it?

In tomorrow's post, we will investigate the specific person for whom "anathema maranatha" was meant.