Sermon: "No Confidence in the Flesh"


Text: Philippians 3:3-11
Theme: True faith rejects self-reliance and trusts wholly in Christ.
Introduction


We live in a world that values achievement, credentials, and self-made success. Even in religious circles, people often trust in their moral record, church attendance, or spiritual disciplines to gain God’s approval. But the Bible warns against this kind of confidence—what Paul calls "confidence in the flesh."

In Philippians 3, Paul exposes the danger of trusting in human effort and contrasts it with the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Today, we’ll explore:

What It Means to Have Confidence in the Flesh


Why Such Confidence Is Spiritually Dangerous


Where Our True Confidence Should Be


How This Changes the Way We Live
1. What Does It Mean to Have "Confidence in the Flesh"? (vv. 3-6)


Paul begins by saying:


"For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh." (v. 3)
A. Definition of "Flesh"


Not just physical bodies, but human effort apart from God’s grace.


It represents religious performance, moral striving, and self-made righteousness.
B. Paul’s Example of Fleshly Confidence (vv. 4-6)


Paul could have boasted in:

Heritage – "Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel..."


Religious Status – "A Pharisee..." (the strictest sect of Judaism).


Zeal – "Persecutor of the church..." (thinking he was serving God).


Moral Record – "Blameless under the law."

Yet, he calls all this "loss" (v. 7).
C. Modern-Day "Fleshly Confidence"


We may not be Pharisees, but we often trust in:

Church involvement – "I’ve served for years!"


Moral behavior – "I don’t sin like others."


Religious rituals – "I pray, fast, and tithe regularly."


Christian pedigree – "I grew up in a Christian home."

Problem: These things are not bad in themselves, but if we trust in them for salvation or spiritual superiority, we’ve missed the gospel.
2. Why Is Confidence in the Flesh Dangerous? (vv. 7-9)


Paul’s radical shift:


"But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ." (v. 7)
A. It Leads to Pride


The Pharisees believed their works made them righteous (Luke 18:11-12).


Paul’s resume was impressive, but it bred self-righteousness.
B. It Cannot Save



"Not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ." (v. 9)

Isaiah 64:6 – Our best deeds are like "filthy rags" before God.


Romans 3:20 – "No one will be justified by works of the law."
C. It Distracts from True Worship


True worship is "by the Spirit of God" (v. 3), not human effort.


If we trust in our works, we glorify ourselves, not Christ.

Illustration: A man trying to swim across the ocean—his strength will fail. But faith in Christ is like boarding a ship (God’s grace) that carries him safely.
3. Where Should Our Confidence Be? (vv. 8-11)


Paul’s new focus:


"I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." (v. 8)
A. In Christ’s Righteousness, Not Ours (v. 9)


We are justified by faith, not works (Romans 5:1).


Christ’s perfection is credited to us (2 Corinthians 5:21).
B. In the Power of the Spirit, Not Self-Effort (v. 3)


True obedience flows from God’s work in us (Philippians 2:13).


Legalism says, "I must perform." The gospel says, "Christ has performed for me."
C. In Knowing Christ, Not Worldly Achievements (vv. 8, 10)


Paul’s greatest desire:

"That I may know Him..." (v. 10)


Not just facts about Jesus, but deep, personal intimacy.

Illustration: A wedding ring symbolizes a relationship. A married person doesn’t carry their marriage license everywhere to prove they’re married—they simply live in love with their spouse. Similarly, Christianity is about knowing and loving Christ, not just keeping rules.
4. How Does This Change the Way We Live?
A. We Boast Only in the Cross (Galatians 6:14)


No more spiritual pride—we acknowledge, "I am a sinner saved by grace."
B. We Serve from Gratitude, Not Guilt


Legalism says, "I have to."


The gospel says, "I get to."
C. We Pursue Christ Above All Else


Like Paul, we say, "I want to know Christ!" (v. 10)


This means prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and obedience—not to earn love, but because we’re already loved.
Conclusion: The Surpassing Worth of Christ


Paul gave up everything—his reputation, religious status, and self-righteousness—to gain Christ. What are you trusting in today?

If you’re relying on your goodness, you’ll never be good enough.


If you’re trusting in Christ, you’re fully accepted by God.

Response:

Repent of any confidence in the flesh.


Rejoice in Christ’s finished work.


Rest in His grace, not your performance.


"Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:31)

Closing Prayer:
"Lord, forgive us for trusting in ourselves. Help us to rely wholly on Christ, to know Him deeply, and to live for His glory. Amen."