We all have met people who are very proud of their accomplishments. Some believe a long list of charitable deeds provides access into God’s kingdom. The apostle Paul had a different take on it as he explains to the Philippians.
There are three noticeable things about believers in Jesus. They worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh.
Paul had his list of reasons for having confidence in the flesh. In fact, he tells them that if anyone thinks they have reason to feel good about their accomplishments; he has even more! He lists them: circumcised the eighth day as an Israelite, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews, a Pharisee in concerns of the law. so zealous that he persecuted the church, and blameless in things of the law, To a Jew he was the top of the list, someone to look up to and admire. He was “the man” until he met Jesus.
In comparison, all those things are garbage. They mean nothing. Jesus has become all to Paul. Jesus has become the trophy. His belief in Jesus has brought a different righteousness. A righteousness that isn’t dependent on Paul’s ‘filthy rags’ but exists by his faith in Jesus Christ, a righteousness that comes from God by faith. His desire is to know Him, not just head knowledge but permeating all of his life, the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and resurrection from the dead. He has a new life, abundant life, built on a new foundation, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Confidence in the flesh, dead in its trespasses and sins? No! Give me Jesus!
