No Confidence in the Flesh
By Pastor Aggrey Soyekwo
Philippians 3.3-4 “For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh–
though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more… ”
Heretic teachers taught about physical circumcision for the gentile Christians as part of the requirements for ‘proper’ salvation and worship of God. Paul cautioned the Philippians about them and added that true worship of God happened by the Holy Spirit. It’s not about our works. He noted that actual circumcision is of the heart, a change that comes through repentance. When enumerating the things he once gloried in, Paul mentioned circumcision as one of the religious rituals he underwent. But God now requires us to worship Him in truth and spirit, not by performance of rituals.
There are many religious activities people do as fulfilment for acceptance to God and as acts of worship. These accomplishments in the flesh trigger pride and self confidence that people like to boast about, or self condemnation when they fail to perform them. But these accomplishments in the body, without God are futile. It’s what Jesus does in us that we can pride in. He Himself said without Him, we in our own efforts can do nothing (John 15:5). In our human acts without God, nothing good can come out because of the fallen nature of man. And we cannot trust in our selves to please and bring Him glory. Isaiah said our self righteousness is like filthy rags before God (Isaiah 64:6).
At the end, we need to come to a point of total reliance and surrender to God’s working in and through us. Does this mean passive resignation to God as we do nothing? Absolutely not. We are to live in acknowledgment of our dependence on Him, and to do whatever we do by His grace and guidance. Even the best of human knowledge, abilities, endeavors and efforts are limited. We need Him.
Proverbs 3.5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Shalom children of God. Have a blessed week