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The Path to Rejoicing: No Confidence in the Flesh
Philippians 3:1-6
Introduction: Chapter three introduces the last major section of Paul’s letter which begins and ends with the admonition, “Rejoice in the Lord” (3:1–4:7). All that he writes in between is the basis for rejoicing in the Lord. This is important to note because Paul is not just saying, “Rejoice,” nor is he simplistically telling us to put on a smiley face regardless of suffering. No one can rejoice in the Lord without a reason for rejoicing. In other words, we cannot rejoice in something until we have truly experienced its value.
Putting this section in context with the rest of the letter, we would say in chapters 1-2 Paul illustrates rejoicing under all circumstances, with 3:1–4:7 pointing us to how we can rejoicing in the Lord “always” (4:4).
Therefore, let’s begin by asking ourselves the question, in what do you rejoice? There are many things. We rejoice in a newborn baby. We rejoicing in our children’s successes. We rejoice in opportunities and in physical blessings that come our way. But there are two questions about rejoicing that are more important:
How often are we rejoicing in the Lord? It is easy to rejoice in the other things, though such rejoicing is so temporary. But rejoicing in the Lord ought to happen daily, even hourly.
Are we rejoicing in the Lord regardless of circumstances? That is critical because as Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “blessedness” is not dependent on whether the day is evil or the day in good. So, are we rejoicing in the Lord, regardless? That was Paul’s illustration in chapter one.
Therefore, as we approach this mini-series on the last major section of Philippians, we need to understand the importance of being able to rejoice. And in doing so, we need to know that true rejoicing is impossible when we do not understand the true basis upon which we are to follow Christ. Probably everyone of us can recall a time(s) in our Christian walk that rejoicing in the Lord seemed illusive and impossible. That should never happen! As Paul said, we should “always” rejoice in the Lord.
Paul’s Concern that the Philippians Are Able to Rejoice
Paul’s command echoes Psalm 32. The psalm begins with, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity…” The psalm ends with, “Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!” (vs. 10-11). Therefore, it is the steadfast love of the Lord that is the foundation for rejoicing, and this is what Paul will pursue in Philippians 3.
Notice also that Paul introduces his thoughts by reminding them he has told them these things before, but that it is safe for you. That little comment is easily overlooked but stresses to us how important it is for us to understand Paul’s explanation of rejoicing in the Lord and that it is safe for them spiritually. To not understand is unsafe. How so? If we can’t rejoice, there is something wrong with our approach to serving God.
Just to emphasize how dangerous any other approach, note the descriptions Paul uses of those who are astray:
“Dogs” – Wild, dangerous packs of dogs who attacked the weak. Normally used by Jews toward Gentiles, but Paul reverses this to refer to Jews and Judaizers as “unclean” dogs, who have no part in the family of God.
“Evildoers” – mind you, in the 21st century, we are too nice to say such things about sincere religious people. But that is exactly what these people were. They were zealous in growing their beliefs, and they were convincing. But Paul uses similar terms as with the Corinthian preachers: “deceitful workers…disguising themselves as servants of righteousness.” We tend to want to say, “Well, at least they believe in Jesus,” or some such rationalization. No, they are dangerous.
“Mutilate the flesh” – note that this was their boast, this was where they put they confidence. They had a physical operation, and with that, they claimed superiority over others. Notice, Paul does not call them “the circumcision,” but the “mutilation.”
In contrast, “we are the [true] circumcision…” The Philippian church was made up nearly all Gentiles, but he says “we” are the circumcision. In other words, the true people of God are not those circumcised in the flesh by men, but those who submitted to a circumcision “made without hands” (Col. 2:11-12).
No Confidence in the Flesh
Our challenge is to understand this phrase. It is impossible to rejoice without this understanding. To be the true circumcision, Paul lists two positives and one negative. We are to worship by the Spirit of God, boast in Christ Jesus, but put no confidence in the flesh. That is as much a challenge today as in the 1st century.
First, notice that there is a contrast between boasting in Christ Jesus and putting confidence in the flesh. To boast or glory in something is the same as where one would put confidence. So we could ask two questions this way:
When you think of your standing with God, where is your confidence? I didn’t ask what you do; you know what you must do. But is your confidence in what you do?
Can you rejoice in the Lord & put no confidence in the flesh?
Let me help: The first thing I want you to do is picture the tabernacle. Remember the gate to the courtyard?. Okay, walk through the gate (only priests can do that!). Do you see the altar of burnt offering, and then the laver? Now, what is before you? Ah, the holy tent. Walk through the door. See the showbread and the candlestick with its burning flame? Now look right in front of you – the altar of incense with its smoke rising above the veil and into the Most Holy. There is a thick veil in front of you. Open it, and walk in. And there it is! The cherubim, the mercy seat, the ark, and suddenly, God on his throne. You are not in the earthly tent, you have walked into God’s dwelling. Now God is about to speak to you about your life and the fact that you just walked into his room! What is he going to say? Where is your confidence?
The answer to that question depends on whether you put your confidence in the flesh or whether you worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus!
Let’s get a better picture of confidence in the flesh. There are at least three problems to confidence in the flesh.
Luke 18:9-14 Do you see the beginning words? “Some who trusted in themselves.” That is the same as confidence in the flesh. And, “Two men went to pray” – two worshipers! The first problem is to boast in what we do. Maybe you and I would not directly talk to God the way this Pharisee did, but we think that way. When we consider our life before God, do we add up in our minds what we have done? If so, we are not “justified” (14).
Luke 18:18-19 We don’t need to read the whole story. You know it. We just need to read the question. Why does a man who has kept the commandments from his youth up, have to ask this question? Easy, right? No matter how much he does, he is not fully satisfied; he’s still not sure. That’s the problem with confidence in the flesh, we are never sure; we can’t rejoice.
John 9:35-41 The third problem with confidence in the flesh, is we say “we see” when we are still blind. We have to be blind so that Jesus can give us light and make us see. Remember the words of Paul: we walk by faith not by sight. We admit we are blind, and he gives sight and leads the way. Therefore, (1) we don’t trust our own thoughts or ways. (2) Whatever he commands, we obey. That’s whatever. (3) Our confidence is in the fact that when we walked through that veil, we walked through a new and living way, the flesh & blood of Jesus.
Rejoice in the Lord
Up to chapter 3, Paul gave the Philippians a number of very direct and challenging commands:
“Stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel” (1:27).
“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” (2:5)
“As you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence. Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” (2:12)
3:1 is translated by the CSB, “In addition…” Greek authorities see this as, “Furthermore,” thus, note that Paul is not signaling the end of his letter, but his last major point. Therefore, in addition (to the commands of unity, self sacrifice, and obedience…rejoice in the Lord. It is a critical command!
Isaiah 12 is a fitting conclusion to help us daily rejoice in the Lord.
(in our next lesson, we will learn more about Paul’s explanation of “worship by the Spirit of God.”)
Berry Kercheville