The flesh refers to everything that is of the world. It can include our deeds, achievements, etc. As truly born-again believers, we still have to live in the flesh. We are not perfect, and we still sin. Romans 7 teaches that our desire, however, is one of perfection. We do not desire to sin. Lot was a Christian who trusted in the flesh. We are not to emulate his life. His life is actually a warning to us. Living like Lot will ruin our holy witness for Christ, and we will stumble those around us. As truly born-again believers, our sinful nature has been replaced by Christ-nature. Although we are still in the flesh, we are not to trust in the flesh.

1.  The danger of trusting in the flesh (Phil 3:4)

To trust, or to have confidence, in the flesh is to be like the old man before salvation, which belongs to the world. This is dangerous because it means that the believer is falling away from God. Upon salvation, Paul gave up all fleshly confidence, calling them “dung” (Phil 3:8). Many so-called Christians today are motivated by the health-and-wealth gospel, which must be rejected. As believers, our confidence is in God, and is built upon God’s Word.

2.  The danger of trusting in our name and lineage (Phil 3:5)

Paul was of a goodly name and family lineage that set him apart as superior among Israelites. However, this was not the source of his confidence. Likewise, our confidence must not lie in the fact that we are born in a God-fearing family, nor in our connections with rich, powerful, influential people. Otherwise, we will become proud.

3.  The danger of being self-righteous (Phil 3:6)

Before salvation, Paul’s confidence in the flesh led him to persecute believers. In his own eyes and way, he thought he was defending God’s honour. We must consider why we serve God and why we attend church activities. Do we think that God will be more pleased with us because of our activities? This is dangerous thinking, because it means we are trusting in self-righteousness.

Many around us are trusting in the flesh. The basis of their confidence is not only on what Christ had accomplished for us in Calvary, but it also includes what they are doing for Christ. Note that accomplishments and wealth in themselves are not wrong, but our confidence must not be rooted in them. We are not to trust in the flesh. We are to rely on God. This reliance will lead us to pray without ceasing. Our trust is in God alone.