Dangerous Confidence

True confidence begins where self-reliance ends.

A Reflection on Philippians 3:7 from Immeasurably More

Summary of the Devotional Insight

Paul’s transformation wasn’t just about conversion; it was about losing all confidence in the flesh. He had every reason to boast—his ancestry, his morality, his religious zeal—but none of it made him effective for Christ. Even after meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul spent years still clinging to fleshly confidence, though now directed toward Christian service. His effectiveness didn’t come until he abandoned all reliance on self and stepped into the fullness of Christ’s life within him.

The lesson here is unmistakable: Confidence in the flesh, even when dressed in religious activity, leaves us barren. No amount of effort—more education, more discipline, more zeal—can substitute for Christ Himself. The Christian life is not about working for God but allowing Christ in us to do the work. When Paul finally counted everything as loss, he gained the life of Christ in its fullness. We, too, must come to this realization: Christ alone is all we need.

A Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture

You have already died to the old way of living. What once gave you confidence—your efforts, your knowledge, your accomplishments—counts for nothing in the life I have given you. You have been crucified with Christ; you no longer live, but Christ lives in you. The life you now live is by faith, not by striving, not by human effort.

I have called you to rest in Me, not to prove yourself. When you abide in Me, you will bear much fruit, but apart from Me, you can do nothing. The more you try to add to what I have already done, the more you hinder what I desire to do through you. It is only when you surrender, when you finally count it all as loss, that My life flows freely in you.

I will teach you, I will lead you, I will work through you. But understand this: these are not means of achieving something for Me; they are expressions of My life within you. I am the source. You lack nothing. You are complete in Me. Lay down your striving. Let Me be your all.

(Galatians 2:20, John 15:5, Philippians 3:7-8, Colossians 2:10, Matthew 11:28-30)

Prayer of Confidence and Trust

Father, I thank You that Christ is my life, my sufficiency, my source. There is nothing I need to add, nothing I need to achieve, nothing I must prove. You have given me everything in Him. I rest in the finished work of Jesus, counting all self-effort as loss, knowing that He alone is enough. Lead me to live each moment by faith, trusting fully in the One who dwells within me. May Your life be expressed freely through me, for Your glory and not my own. Amen.