No Confidence in Flesh

"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh--though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." Philippians 3:3-7 ESV

We have been "taking apart" verse 3. In this post I want us to look at Paul's bold statement about his own self- esteem. I know it doesn't use that term, but confidence is what we in our modern world would call self-esteem. Our own estimation of ourselves; our ability to function with others in self confidence. The Greek word used here for confidence is a derivative of the  common word translated for "faith." In almost every case of that word used in Hebrews 11, the word "confidence" can be placed and a new understanding emerges.

Confidence is trust. The willing trust of someone other than ourself. When we understand who our God is and what He has completed for us through Jesus Christ and released into us
through the Holy Spirit, our confidence in Him soars. Paul is saying that is where his faith/confidence rests. Then he goes further by listing many of the attributes of his life that would normally cause confidence in his natural training and abilities. He could have listed many more - education, position and on and on. He did list his natural/flesh heritage.

Yet, he states that a person of the true circumcision, the true children of God circumcised in heart by the Holy Spirit, put no confidence in their natural persons, nor education, nor position. Instead, they have placed all their trust in the Lord, for the scripture says, "put no confidence in the flesh." This means, that even though we know certain people did disappoint him, his ability to function and to move forward in the Holy Spirit and in his call was never dependent upon anyone of flesh - his or another person's. He rested all his faith/confidence in his God!

Those who are my students know I find great fault in the term "self-esteem," as it starts with the wrong word and is based in an elevation of self that I do not find appropriate for a believer - a true worshiper in the Spirit. Instead, there is this understanding of having faith/confidence/trust in who our Lord is and what He has accomplished for us, in us and through us. He is more than enough to provide adequate confidence to rise and be and rise and do. When He is our confidence, it does not come and go with the opinions of others, nor the love of others, but simply rests in the nature of our God. We have an amazing Lord!