1. Matt 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42 2011 Congregational Theme: Daily Disciples: Obedience

2.  A rich & prominent (respected) member of the Sanhedrin council.  A good & just man who did not consent to their decision to put Jesus to death.  Waiting for kingdom of God.  A disciple of Jesus, but SECRETLY for fear of Jews.

3.  Prov 29:25-26 – The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but justice for man comes from the Lord.

4.  Matt 10:28 – And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul & body in hell.   Acts 5:29 – But Peter & the other apostles answered & said: “We ought to obey God rather than men…”

5.  Cannot be salt or light (Matt 5:13-16)  Undistinguishable (1 Pet 3:15-17)  Discourages others (2 Tim 1:15-16; 4:16)  No peace of mind (Acts 5:40-41)  Not possible (Rom 10:8-10; Matt 10:32)

6.  The Cost To Joseph & Nicodemus:  Ceremonially unclean  Ceremonially unclean (John 19:31; Num 19:11-22). arked men  Marked men (John 19:31-38).

7. Joseph & Nicodemus buried Jesus as a King!

8.  Be aware of the dangers of secret discipleship: self-deception.  Obeying Jesus will include a degree of personal risk.  Give Him the best you have.

10. Leave the State of Sin: Believe: John 8:24 Repent: Acts 17:30 Confess: Rom 10:9-10 Baptism: 1 Pet 3:21 In Christ In Sin Obey Him Obey Him 1 Peter 1:14 1 Peter 1:14 1 John 1:7 1 John 1:7 Christian Christian Forgiveness Forgiveness of sin Rom 8:1 “there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…” Rom 8:1 “there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”