John 19:38-42

Secret Disciples

Introduction:

When we think about discipleship we are thinking of enrolling in the school of Christ to be a “a learner and “follower” of Him. The enrollment in the school of Jesus is in a Sovereign enrollment. We are invited to come and learn but not without Him first recruiting us. He chooses us and then we follow Him.  (John 15:16) Some have mistakenly believed that discipleship is the “second step” in the Christian life.  In other words you believe in Christ first and secondly, some time later you follow Christ.  This of course is not true because at the very beginning of our faith we are called to be Christ’s disciples and the call is for the duration of our lives.  Jesus saw two brothers walking by the Sea of Galilee, Simon Peter and Andrew, He said, Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men, at once they left their nets and followed Him.”

(Matt. 4:18-22; Luke5:1-11)

I. Discipleship Diminished

A. Question: Is there such a thing as a “secret disciple”?

1. We first learn of secret disciples – Turn to: John 12:42-43

2. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus – John 3:2; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:51

3. Memorials out of respect and kindness (Alexander Maclaren, James Boice, Gordon Keddie)

B. The major cause and danger of secret discipleship

1. Fear of men – v.38; Prov.29:25 (Maclaren)

2. Fear of what someone might say

II. Discipleship Confessed

A. Questions: Can you be a true disciple of Christ and be silent to our peers?

      Can you be sure that you are really born again if you will not    confess Christ?

1. The Lord is quite emphatic regarding our confession before men- Luke 9:23; Matt.10:32-33

2. The apostle Paul is quite dogmatic regarding our confession before men – Rom. 10:9-10

B. Loss of Fellowship with Christ – (Maclaren)

C. Loss of Fellowship with fellow-Christians

1. Christians need other Christians – Acts 2:42

2. Christians are called by God into fellowship – I Cor. 1:9

3. Christians cannot have fellowship with non believers – II Cor.6:14

4. Christian fellowship brings encouragement –

Turn To: Hebrews 10:23-26

Conclusion:

1. Examine your mind and heart and ask are you a secret disciple?

2. Profess Christ openly! Do not quench the Spirit – I Thess.5:19

Pastor Nick Iamaio

Reformed Presbyterian Church

207 South First Street, Fulton, NY 13069

Web Site fultonrpc.org

2/3/2008