Impressions from Philippians 1:12-18

First, thanks go out to the Bowens for hosting the Metairie branch in their home. The Brisket was awesome. The Harahan branch is anxiously awaiting Caleb Hyman and his family to worship with them. Fantastic! Here's the week's study.

Impressions: From the book of Philippians
Impression - a: a characteristic, trait, or feature resulting from some influence.  b: an effect of alteration or improvement.  c: a telling image impressed on the senses or the mind.

Philippians 1:12-18 (ESV)
I want you to know, brothers,  that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard  and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. (12-14)

Lesson Focus: Trials can be a magnifying glass that allows people to see Jesus in us.   

Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of rivalry, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.(15-17)


“envy and rivalry” Paul had a contingency of “preachers” who were jealous of his apostolic power and authority. Made up mostly of Judaizers ("Judaizers" refers to Jewish Christians who sought to induce Gentiles to observe Jewish religious customs) they opposed Paul and Barnabas at the Jerusalem Council and pressured the Galatians to observe circumcision.

Who are the Judaizers of our day?

What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. (18)

Impression: Jesus will reveal His simple truth through us even in circumstances that test our ability to surrender to His plan for us and those around us.

When you explain surrendering to Jesus, how do you describe this surrender?


Personal time:

Are there circumstances in your life that are drawing your attention away from Christ?

How is the Holy Spirit directing you to make the most of your tough situation?

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)