Reflections on Secret Discipleship in the Bible
Explore the concept of secret discipleship through the biblical example of Joseph of Arimathea, discussing reasons why one might choose to keep their faith hidden including fear, shame, and love of the world. The message conveyed is that true discipleship involves boldness, confession, and unashamed dedication to God rather than hiding one's faith.
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Presentation Transcript
SECRET DISCIPLESHIP John 19:38
JOSEPH OF ARIMATHEA A prominent member of the Sanhedrin. A good and just man; waited for the kingdom. He did not consent to the Lord s crucifixion. He kept his discipleship a secret for fear of the Jews (John 19:38). He found courage and stepped forward to bury Jesus (Mark 15:43).
CAN WE BE SECRET DISCIPLES? We must make a public confession of our faith in order to be a Christian (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10). Discipleship is something that is done, not claimed (Matt. 16:24). We must let our light shine by allowing men to see our good works (Matt. 5:14-16).
WHY ONE IS A SECRET DISCIPLE 1. Fear Fear keeps many disciples from doing what they should (Matt. 25:25). Disciples are not to fear any man (Matt. 10:28). We are not given a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7).
WHY ONE IS A SECRET DISCIPLE 2. Being Ashamed If we are ashamed of Jesus and His words in the midst of this sinful world, He will be ashamed of us (Mark 8:38). We are not to be ashamed of the gospel, or of our brethren (Rom. 1:16; 2 Tim. 1:8).
WHY ONE IS A SECRET DISCIPLE 3. Love the World more than God Whose praise do we covet - God s or man s? (John 12:42-43) We are not to love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15). Friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).
The Lord does not need any Secret Disciples. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind (2 Tim. 1:7).
