For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. – Philippians 3:3 NKJV.
Picture yourself as an Israelite watching the battle between David and Goliath, you can imagine that the Philistines probably thought they had already won as they saw David approaching Goliath. However, when Goliath challenged and mocked David, the young shepherd’s response was simple but powerful, “I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty.” These words revealed the source of David’s incredible confidence and he won the battle (1 Samuel 17).
This story perfectly illustrates what it means to boast in Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. Apostle Paul, for instance, had several reasons to trust in his human qualifications – his status as a Pharisee, his Jewish circumcision, and more (Philippians 2:4-6). Yet, he acknowledged that none of these qualities could make him righteous. The same principle applies to us today – our works, identity, and personal qualifications cannot make us righteous.
Earlier this week, we established that true circumcision for believers represents “an inward transformation of the heart and spirit.” Such that we who were once bound by our sinful nature have been made alive through the blood of Christ, and God’s grace. Through Jesus Christ, we have a new identity – adopted as sons of God’s kingdom and sealed with His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14). Moreover, we receive the promise of everlasting life (John 3:16). Having received salvation through Christ alone, it is important to remember that He is not only our confidence for salvation but also our strength for daily living. Our confidence in the finished work of Christ is the foundation for living as regenerated believers; we must always remember that our sufficiency is of God. If our confidence is in God, then we must also depend on Him totally. Don’t try to conquer your struggles on your own, rather, come to Him, because He gives us everything we need for life and godliness.
Just as David walked into a potentially fatal situation with just one weapon – His boast in the Lord Almighty, we can learn to approach every situation of life with the same mindset (Philippians 3:3). Although our everyday life may not be as extreme as David’s situation, we can still approach every aspect of our lives with this confidence that the One who has saved us is able to keep and preserve us until He comes back for us.
Lastly, Christ is our confidence for eternal life (Philippians 1:6), knowing this should comfort you. Our future is secure in His hands. This truth should fill our hearts with gratitude and peace.
Dear believer, you have a reason to be confident and not fearful, and that reason is Christ. He has loved you with an everlasting love and He calls you his own.
Bible Reading Plan: Hebrews 7