PHILIPPIANS 3:4

“although I myself could boast as having confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he is confident in the flesh, I have more reason:”

I have my wife, two children, two in-laws, and five beautiful grandchildren. I have reason to boast. Three grandchildren came instantly when my son married his wife who had three children from a previous marriage. Then they had a daughter together. My daughter had a son about a year ago. Man, I am a proud husband, father, Poppy and Papa. I certainly have reason to boast, don’t I?

In today’s verse, Paul sets up the next two verses where he lists his earthly credentials and reasons for boasting in himself, if he chose to do so. He says, “I have more reason” to boast in himself. Remember, Paul had a religious legacy before coming to Christ. Many of those with similar pedigrees flaunted their status. Even when some of them came to Christ, they still boasted in their privileged position, not understanding how Christ negates all that earthly pride.

APPLICATION

Paul tells us we cannot put our confidence in “the flesh.” What does he mean by that? HELPS Word studies gives this definition of the Greek word, sarx (flesh). “…what is ‘of the flesh (carnal)’ is by definition displeasing to the Lord – even things that seem ‘respectable!’ In short, flesh generally relates to unaided human effort, i.e. decisions (actions) that originate from self or are empowered by self. This is carnal (‘of the flesh’) and proceeds out of the untouched (unchanged) part of us – i.e. what is not transformed by God.”

Did you get all of that? Flesh = bad, God = good. It really is that simple. Now, we are all stuck in this flesh while we live in these mortal bodies, but we do not have to be controlled by the desires of the flesh. My life verse is Galatians 2:20. “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives within me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” My flesh died with Christ on that cross. It needs to stay dead.

We have to choose daily to not boast in our flesh. Sure, we can boast in our families and even in some of our own achievements. But we cannot be lured into the trap of boasting in our flesh and our own abilities. Boast only in Jesus. He has the power to sustain and strengthen you.

Remind me daily, O God, of the stench of my flesh so that I will not allow it to raise its ugly head.