For this series in Philippians, I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

3:4   though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more:

Paul, in our previous verse discussed the churches identification and spoke of our not to trust in the flesh. Always the expert teacher, Paul gives his testimony, detailing his fleshly attainments, and his final rejection of any confidence in them in front of God,

His fleshly accomplishments are nothing to snicker at, for he has much he could trust in, more than the Judaizers who are preaching this troubling message of circumcision.

Note that by entering into a description of Paul’s list of accomplishments, a component of living under the law is exposed. Competition! This is the nature of the one who trust’s in the flesh, for it is never enough, and by comparing ourselves with others, we find some comfort, foolish as it is!

Have you sat in your pew and considered how much more dedicated you are than Sally, who only attends one service a week? Or that you have performed in the choir more than Frank – Dang he can’t even hold a note!

Paul won this competition with many of his physical equals, but he found rest in the work of Christ.

Put down the list, and find rest in Christ.

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