THE DANGER OF TRUSTING IN THE FLESH
OCTOBER 28, 2026
TEXT: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3).
As believers, one of the greatest mistakes we can ever make is to lean on anything or place confidence in anything aside from God. Educational qualifications are good. Wealth can be useful. Professional qualifications are valuable. Religious knowledge is important. Skills are good. However, even though these things are not sins in themselves, the problem arises when we depend entirely on them for protection. This becomes a great spiritual danger. A university graduate may feel that he has taken all the necessary steps to become prosperous. A rich man may wonder what he needs Christ for. A professional may be indifferent to his or her connection with God. However, one fact remains: human intelligence is not enough to navigate the storms and intricacies of life.
In addition to the above categories of people, some people have served God for several years and already know the ins and outs of the church. They know the days of the weekly and monthly programmes like the backs of their hands. Because of this, many of them believe that they are self-sufficient and do not need much interaction with God. Many feel that they are now deputies to God Himself. Paul had a problem with this category of people in verse 3 of Chapter 3, from which our text is taken.
Paul was a Pharisee and a person of noble birth, born in Tarsus of Cilicia and possessing Roman citizenship. In addition, he was also a Jewish lawyer, having been educated by the renowned Gamaliel. However, he soon realised that all these things did not matter as far as building a solid relationship with Christ was concerned. No matter our achievements or records, they cannot substitute for God in our lives.
Trusting in the flesh means placing reliance on the mundane things of life and depending on them as if they can function like God. So many people believe that their intelligence and connections can work faster than God. It is only after all these have failed that they turn to the place of prayer. However, the Bible specifically urges us not to be wise in our own eyes but to trust the LORD with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5-6). This does not eliminate the place of careful thinking and strategies. Rather, it emphasises the importance of trusting God even amidst our meticulous planning.
Now, take note: the Bible does not condemn money, certificates, etc. These things are actually needed to make tangible progress in life, but when it comes to spiritual wherewithal, it becomes a different story entirely.
As believers, we should be able to possess money without allowing that money to control our hearts (Psalm 62:10; Proverbs 11:28). It is misplaced confidence to believe that money can genuinely answer all things when there are many spiritual virtues that money cannot buy. There are also many problems that money cannot solve at all.
All in all, this teaching is meant to open our eyes to see and understand that, in the midst of any achievement or prestige, humility before God is key. If God has blessed you with the opportunity to amass wealth, educational qualifications, and professional records, see them as blessings from God rather than the only tools of prosperity that your life needs.
SEARCHLIGHT: Never allow your abilities, achievements, etc., to become a substitute for dependence on God.
PRAYER: O LORD, may I never become complacent in my walk with You, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Ecclesiastes 9-11; Mark 6.
PASTOR MICHAEL OMOLE
