Week 5: Chapter 4 — Defining the Relationship (Not a Secret Admirer)

1.Idleman introduces the idea of a "secret follower" — someone who believes in Jesus privately but is unwilling to make that relationship public. What are the most common reasons people give (or that you yourself have given) for keeping faith private?

2.He draws on Luke 12:8–9, where Jesus says he will acknowledge before the angels those who acknowledge him before others, and disown those who disown him. How do you sit with those words? What is Jesus protecting in that statement?

3.The author tells the story of Nicodemus, who comes to Jesus at night — a fan who is intrigued but not yet willing to be seen with Jesus publicly. Can you identify with Nicodemus? In what area of your life do you meet with Jesus in the dark — privately engaged but publicly hidden?