Confident Rejoicing

Philippians 3:1-6    
1 Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

Above all concerns, issues, and labor in Christ, we should be rejoicing for who He is and all He has done (and continues to do forever).  This is why Paul kept instructing, warning, and encouraging the churches.  He points out those who tried to add works of the Law to the gospel as ravenous dogs amidst the sheep, reminding in particular that circumcision of the body is not the intent of God, but the cleansing and protecting of the heart as a spiritual circumcision.  It all comes down to inward versus outward changes.  Our confidence is inward, that of true worship and joy in Christ alone and His work, no matter how much we could boast in worldly standing or upbringing.  Paul uses himself as the prime example of worldly religious credentials as from the highest academic religious schooling as not something to boast nor have confidence in.  We must also find reliance and grounding in the anchor of our souls and eternal life, Jesus Christ.  Not our learning or cultural achievements.  We then rejoice in Christ as our Lord and we as the servants of grace.