Philippians 3:3
Verse
Context
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
2Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are the circumcision - We, who have embraced the faith of Christ crucified, are now entered into the new covenant, and according to that new covenant, worship God in the Spirit, exulting, καυχωμενοι, making our boast of Christ Jesus, as our only Savior, having no confidence in the flesh - in any outward rite or ceremony prescribed by the Jewish institutions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"We are the (real) circumcision" (Rom 2:25-29; Col 2:11). worship God in the Spirit--The oldest manuscripts read, "worship by the Spirit of God"; our religious service is rendered by the Spirit (Joh 4:23-24). Legal worship was outward, and consisted in outward acts, restricted to certain times and places. Christian worship is spiritual, flowing from the inworkings of the Holy Spirit, not relating to certain isolated acts, but embracing the whole life (Rom 12:1). In the former, men trusted in something human, whether descent from the theocratic nation, or the righteousness of the law, or mortification of "the flesh" ("Having confidence," or "glorying in the flesh") [NEANDER] (Rom 1:9). rejoice in Christ Jesus--"make our boast in Christ Jesus," not in the law: the ground of their boasting. have no confidence in the flesh--but in the Spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we are the circumcision,.... And not they; they have the name, and we the thing, or that which legal circumcision was a shadow of, namely, circumcision of the heart; which lies in being pricked to the heart under a true sense of sin; in having the hardness of the heart removed, and the iniquity of it laid to open view; in pain and contrition of heart about it, joined with shame for it, and loathing of it, the consequence of which is, a putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, Col 2:11, according to the former conversation; and also in a renouncing a man's own righteousness in point of justification before God, and acceptance with him. All which is the work of God, and not man, and is therefore called the circumcision made without hands, Col 2:11; it has God, and not man, for its author; and its praise is of God, and not of men; and its seat is in the heart and spirit, and not in the flesh; and such whose hearts are circumcised to love the Lord their God, and fear him, are the true circumcision: which worship God in the spirit. The object of worship is "God", and him only; not a creature animate or inanimate, stocks or stones, beasts, birds, men, or angels; only God, Father, Son, and Spirit: that the Father is to be worshipped, is not disputed, see Joh 4:21; and the Son is to be worshipped with the same worship the Father is; since he is in the form of God, and equal to him, is the Creator of all the Lord of angels and men, and is to be, and is worshipped by both; prayer is made unto him, baptism is administered in his name, and trust and confidence are placed in him; and so is the Holy Ghost, he being equally God with the Father and the Son, and therefore the same homage is to be given to him as to them: and so some indeed read the words here, "which worship God the Spirit"; or the Spirit, who is God. "Worship" is either inward or outward; inward worship lies in the exercise of grace on God, as of faith, hope, love, fear, &c. outward worship is the performance of certain external actions required by God, and both are to be performed: and it is also either private or public; private worship is in the closet, or in the family, and consists of praying, singing of praises, &c. public worship lies in tire observance of the outward ordinances of preaching, praying, hearing singing, &c. in the church of God; even all such ordinances as God has appointed, which are recorded in the Scriptures, and are confirmed by the authority of Christ. The manner in which worship is to be performed, is "in the Spirit"; either in and with the Spirit of God, without whose grace and assistance no part of it can be performed well. And the Alexandrian copy reads, "which worship in the Spirit of God"; and so the Complutensian edition, and several copies. Or in and with our own hearts and spirits, which should be engaged in every part of religious worship with much attention, diligence, and fervency; or in a spiritual manner, in opposition to the carnal worship of the Jews, and the bodily exercise of formal professors; and which lies in drawing nigh to God with true hearts, sincere and fervent ones, with grace in them, and that in exercise: and rejoice in Christ Jesus; or "glory in" him, and make their boast of him; for a different word is here used from that in Phi 3:1. Such who have a true sense of themselves, and a spiritual sight of Christ, will not glory in themselves, in their wisdom, strength, riches, or righteousness, but in Christ, in his wisdom and strength, in his riches and righteousness, and in his person and grace only: and have no confidence in the flesh; in any carnal descent, or birth privilege, as to be of the seed of Abraham, of the of Israel, or of such a tribe, or family, or born of such a parent; nor in circumcision, or any of the carnal ordinances of the ceremonial law; nor in any civil, moral, legal, and external righteousness, for so to do is but to make flesh an arm; or indeed to trust in anything out of Christ, or short of him; and all this makes up the character and description of a true believer in Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:3 Circumcision was understood as identifying the true people of God (see Gen 17:10-14), but those who put their trust in Christ are the ones who are truly circumcised in heart (see Rom 2:28-29; cp. Jer 4:4; Eph 2:11; Col 2:11-13).
Philippians 3:3
Righteousness through Faith in Christ
2Watch out for those dogs, those workers of evil, those mutilators of the flesh!3For it is we who are the circumcision, we who worship by the Spirit of God, who glory in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4though I myself could have such confidence. If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I have more:
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
"We Are in Grave Danger, when..."
By Leonard Ravenhill4.0K00:17PSA 20:7PRO 3:5JER 9:23PHP 3:3This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlighting the need to keep Jesus at the center of our confidence and trust, regardless of our experiences or years of service.
Kber-01 the Coming Holocaust 1 of 3
By Art Katz2.9K1:01:59End TimesGEN 17:10EXO 4:24DEU 10:16ROM 2:28PHP 3:3COL 2:11HEB 13:8In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to hear the word of God and emphasizes the importance of being changed by it. He then introduces the concept of "cutting" as a symbol of the covenant with God that Christians often overlook. The speaker shares his personal testimony and highlights the significance of encountering God before embarking on any apostolic mission. He references the story of Moses in Exodus, where Moses encounters God in the burning bush and is called to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. The speaker suggests that this experience will be replicated for all of Israel in the future and expresses concern for the Jewish people worldwide. He urges the audience to seek a deeper understanding of the word of God and to be willing to undergo the process of cutting, similar to what Jesus experienced on the cross. The sermon concludes with a prayer for continued revelation and transformation.
The Need and Personality of the Holy Spirit
By Dan Augsburger1.7K1:27:46Baptism Of The Holy SpiritJHN 4:24ACT 4:33ACT 20:28PHP 3:32TH 2:131PE 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of reviewing objectives for the Sabbath service. The three objectives mentioned are to honor God, bring members together, and provide a training opportunity for new members. The speaker also highlights the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance and power in carrying out God's work. The sermon emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in every discourse and the promised outpouring of God's life-giving spirit as the hope of God's people. The speaker passionately calls for a new demonstration of God's reality, presence, and power in the church, stating that the church will be ablaze for God when individuals are ablaze for Him.
K-478 Heart Circumcision
By Art Katz1.7K25:40CircumcisionROM 6:2ROM 8:82CO 6:172CO 7:1GAL 6:14PHP 3:3In this sermon, the speaker shares a report about a revival that took place at Ashbury College. The revival started with individuals coming to the microphone and confessing their sins. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to separate themselves from sin and cleanse themselves from every defilement of body, soul, and spirit. They highlight that every sin is an expression of the root of self and that God calls us to lay the axe to this root. The sermon references Romans 6, emphasizing the importance of being dead to sin and walking in newness of life through the power of the cross. The speaker also emphasizes the need for genuine transformation and being a new creation in Christ.
(Compilation) Facts on Revival
By Leonard Ravenhill1.6K13:01PSA 51:10ISA 6:3ROM 8:262CO 7:10EPH 5:27PHP 3:31TH 5:23HEB 12:14JAS 4:8REV 4:8This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to pay the price for revival, to sanctify their whole lives, and to seek a deep, speechless form of worship. It recounts the impact of past revivals where individuals fully surrendered to God, leading to transformation and the spread of revival. The importance of being a prophet, seeing what others don't, and suffering for the sake of others is highlighted. The sermon challenges listeners to seek purity, holiness, and a God-filled personality, emphasizing the necessity of the Holy Spirit in true evangelism and revival.
No Confidence in the Flesh
By Tim Conway1.5K02:42PHP 3:3This sermon emphasizes the exclusive path to the Father through Christ, highlighting the necessity of absolute surrender and repentance of all idols and reliance on the flesh. It stresses that salvation is solely through Christ's merits, not by our own works or efforts, and that true discipleship requires forsaking all else. The focus is on coming to Christ with empty hands, devoid of sin and hypocrisy, and finding salvation by putting all confidence in Him alone, leading to freedom from the power of sin and becoming children of God.
The Principle of Faith
By K.P. Yohannan1.4K36:25FaithMAT 6:14MAT 18:3MRK 11:24ROM 4:20GAL 6:7EPH 2:8PHP 3:3In this sermon, Brother KP Johannon emphasizes the importance of living by faith every day of our lives. He shares the story of Abraham, who believed in a God who calls things that are not as though they are. Abraham trusted God's promise of a son, even though there was no physical evidence of it. Johannon encourages listeners to have the same kind of faith, relying on God's provision and not depending on themselves. He also highlights the work of Gospel for Asia in reaching the 2.7 billion people in Asia who have never heard of the love of Christ.
Take Up the Cross
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.3K26:12CrossLUK 9:23ACT 17:30ROM 3:23PHP 3:31TH 5:16HEB 9:22HEB 10:29In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the reactions of different individuals to his suffering on the cross. The preacher emphasizes the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and the truth that he brought before Pontius Pilate. The centurion present at the crucifixion recognizes Jesus as the Son of God amidst the dramatic events that occur. The preacher also mentions the transformative experience of Saul of Tarsus, who later becomes the apostle Paul and proclaims the message of Jesus' crucifixion. The sermon concludes with the call for repentance and the recognition that Jesus' crucifixion is the means by which sin is crucified and eternal life is obtained.
Growing in Grace #4 - the Holy Spirit and the Grace of God
By Bob Hoekstra1.0K53:34LUK 18:35ROM 8:5ROM 8:14GAL 1:3GAL 6:18EPH 5:18PHP 3:3In this sermon, Pastor Chuck shares a story about a friend who had lost everything and was living in a shabby garage apartment. Chuck was deeply saddened by his friend's situation and couldn't hide his emotions, breaking down in tears. Despite feeling like a fool, Chuck's friend asked him to visit and make an appeal for reconciliation with his wife. Chuck emphasizes the importance of being led by the Spirit and not by our own efforts, as it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that the grace of Jesus is applied to our lives. He references Romans 6:14 and Romans 8:5-6 to highlight the significance of walking according to the Spirit.
Road to Reality - the Principle of Faith Part Two
By K.P. Yohannan93624:57Road To RealityMAT 6:33MAT 18:3MAT 21:21MRK 11:24ROM 4:20PHP 3:3JAS 1:6In this video, Brother KP Johannon discusses the importance of living by faith every day of our lives. He emphasizes the need for believers to have a strong conviction in their prayers and to expect God to answer. He shares examples of how God has lovingly and graciously responded to the faith of believers, such as the provision of washing machines. Brother KP also highlights the plight of widows and abandoned children in South Asia and encourages viewers to respond to their needs. He concludes by mentioning his book, "No Longer a Slum Dog," which shares stories of how suffering children in Asia are being helped in the name of Jesus.
Philippians-Joy Love Letter 01 phil.1:
By James K. Boswell73144:47PHP 1:21PHP 2:5PHP 3:3PHP 3:8PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the joy and independence that comes from being a man of faith. He highlights the importance of relying on God for the supplies and strength needed to carry out His work. The speaker also emphasizes the concept of being a bond-slave of Jesus Christ, recognizing that as believers, we belong to Him completely. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's presence and blessing during the conference.
Casting Away All Confidence in Self
By Zac Poonen6531:17:26JER 4:4ROM 12:1PHP 3:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of true worship and dependence on God, highlighting the need to cut off all confidence in oneself and to worship in the spirit. It delves into the significance of circumcision as a symbol of cutting off self-reliance and glorifying Christ alone. The message stresses the need for constant prayer, repentance, and a humble, prayerful attitude in all aspects of life.
Men Who Turned the World Upside Down
By Tim Conway6461:05:30ISA 40:31JHN 6:37ACT 17:61CO 3:6PHP 3:3This sermon emphasizes the importance of deep dependence on God, a willingness to die for the Gospel, and the call to proclaim the facts about Jesus Christ without the need for eloquence or human wisdom. It encourages believers to step out in faith, pray fervently, and trust in God's power to turn the world upside down through the proclamation of the Gospel.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 74
By Zac Poonen64525:22PHP 3:3This sermon delves into the importance of humility, self-confidence, and total reliance on God in Christian leadership, using Peter's journey of self-confidence to brokenness as an example. It explores Jesus' struggle in Gethsemane, emphasizing the depth of his love and sacrifice in being willing to be separated from the Father for the sake of humanity, highlighting the true meaning of Christ's sacrifice and the necessity of making His sacrifice personal for a deeper understanding of Christianity.
(Through the Bible) Genesis - Part 2
By Zac Poonen52556:13GEN 15:6GEN 17:1GEN 22:12JER 17:7LUK 17:34ROM 10:17PHP 3:3HEB 11:8HEB 13:2This sermon delves into the life of Abraham, showcasing his journey of faith, obedience, and the consequences of both listening to God and following human advice. It emphasizes the importance of saying 'Amen' to God's word, learning from mistakes, and being dedicated to God's will. The sermon also highlights the contrast between the ways of Babylon, symbolizing human reliance, and the ways of Jerusalem, symbolizing faith and trust in God.
Glory Only in the Cross
By Gary Wilkerson12442:19Theology of the CrossCross of ChristRighteousness through FaithISA 53:5JHN 3:16ROM 5:20ROM 7:91CO 1:182CO 5:21GAL 6:14EPH 2:8PHP 3:31PE 2:24Gary Wilkerson emphasizes the necessity of understanding the significance of the cross in the Christian faith, arguing that true glory comes only from the cross of Jesus Christ. He contrasts the theology of glory, which relies on self-righteousness and human effort, with the theology of the cross, which recognizes our complete dependence on Christ's sacrifice for righteousness. Wilkerson highlights that many people, even in the church, are seeking fulfillment through self-improvement rather than embracing the transformative power of the cross. He calls for a shift from self-reliance to a reliance on Christ's work, urging believers to acknowledge their need for grace and the righteousness that comes through faith alone. Ultimately, he invites the congregation to embrace the cross as the source of true freedom and identity in Christ.
(Worship) Session 5: The How of Worship
By Joseph Carroll2152:22Surrender to GodWorshipPSA 19:1PSA 27:4PSA 29:1PSA 36:5PSA 81:10PSA 103:8PSA 139:1MAT 6:6PHP 3:3REV 22:1Joseph Carroll emphasizes the importance of worshiping God in spirit and truth, highlighting that true worship comes from a pure heart and clean hands. He explains that worship is not merely about asking God for things but is fundamentally an attitude of consecration and surrender to God. Carroll encourages believers to create a personal space for worship, relying on the Holy Spirit to guide their hearts in worship. He also discusses the significance of using Scripture and hymns to express worship, making it personal and heartfelt. Ultimately, he reminds us that worship is a continuous attitude of surrender and love for God.
Boasting That Brings Blessing!
By Theodore Epp0The CrossTrue Glory in ChristJHN 12:32ROM 6:71CO 1:312CO 5:17GAL 5:24GAL 6:14EPH 2:8PHP 3:3COL 3:31PE 5:6Theodore Epp emphasizes that the crucifixion of Christ is not merely a historical event but a transformative way of life that leads to resurrection and freedom from sin. He contrasts the self-glory sought by the Judaizers through fleshly accomplishments with the true glory found in the cross of Christ. Epp warns against living a Christian life based on fleshly efforts, urging believers to find their boast in the crucified and risen Savior. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on what they truly boast about in their lives.
No Good Thing
By Chip Brogden0JHN 3:30JHN 15:5ROM 7:18GAL 2:20PHP 3:3Chip Brogden preaches about the importance of recognizing that in our flesh dwells no good thing, emphasizing the need to surrender our self-righteousness and acknowledge our sinful nature before God. He highlights the journey of self-discovery and Christ-discovery, stressing the significance of knowing our insufficiency and Christ's sufficiency. Through the examples of Joseph and Peter, he illustrates the process of learning to decrease in self-confidence and increase in reliance on Christ, ultimately leading to a life of surrender, humility, and dependence on God's strength.
The New Covenant Part I (The Sign of Circumcision)
By Robert Wurtz II0DEU 30:6ROM 4:9ROM 8:8GAL 3:16PHP 3:3Robert Wurtz II preaches on Abrahamic Faith, emphasizing the importance of transferring our confidence and trust from our fallen human nature to God, just as Abraham did. This faith involves worshiping God in the Spirit, rejoicing in Christ Jesus, and having no faith in the flesh, understanding that righteousness is imputed to us through genuine repentance and faith in the promised Seed, Jesus Christ.
Go to Church or Go to Hell
By Conrad Murrell0EPH 5:25PHP 3:3HEB 10:25HEB 10:28Conrad Murrell delivers a powerful sermon emphasizing the importance of attending church for salvation, stating that those who do not go to church will go to hell. He explains that Jesus Christ is the only acceptable sacrifice for sins, but there is a sin of willful abandonment of the assembly that has no remedy. Murrell highlights the nature of the called-out assembly, stressing the necessity for believers to gather together for worship and instruction in the Word, as those who forsake this assembly lack the grace of God and risk damnation.
The Covenant of Grace
By Watchman Nee0Faith and Trust in GodCovenant of GraceGEN 17:1ROM 4:19ROM 8:8PHP 3:3COL 2:11Watchman Nee emphasizes the significance of God's covenant of grace with Abraham, illustrating how God's silence during Abraham's self-reliance led to a deeper understanding of faith. He explains that true progress begins with God's call, not our efforts, and that the covenant, marked by circumcision, signifies a complete reliance on God rather than on the flesh. As Abraham's faith matured, he learned to trust in God's promises despite his own limitations, ultimately becoming a friend of God. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing our helplessness and the necessity of grace in our relationship with God.
Humans Judge the Lord?
By A.W. Tozer0WorshipThe Role of the Holy SpiritPSA 95:6ISA 29:13JHN 4:24JHN 16:13ROM 12:11CO 2:12GAL 5:25EPH 2:18PHP 3:31PE 2:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes that God created humanity to worship Him, and that sin disrupted this natural inclination, leading to a loss of perfect fellowship with the Creator. He points out that while people instinctively seek to worship, they often choose what to worship based on personal preference, effectively judging God's intentions. This tendency has given rise to a blend of psychology and humanism masquerading as religion, where individuals elevate themselves above divine authority. Tozer asserts that true worship cannot occur without the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who restores the rightful place of worship in the hearts of believers.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
By Miles J. Stanford0PHP 3:3COL 1:21COL 2:13Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the profound truth that our reconciliation with God is solely through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, presenting us as holy and blameless in God's sight. He highlights the importance of finding satisfaction in Christ rather than in our own efforts or achievements, as our faith is tested on the basis of our relationship with God. Stanford reminds believers that our link with God is through Jesus Christ alone, not through our own merits, and that our perfect security lies in realizing our position in the Lord Jesus.
The New Man
By David Wilkerson0Living By FaithIdentity in ChristJHN 15:5ROM 6:6ROM 8:12CO 5:17GAL 2:20EPH 4:22PHP 3:3COL 3:3HEB 10:381JN 5:4David Wilkerson emphasizes that as followers of Christ, we must accept our identity as the 'new man' in Christ, recognizing that our 'old man'—the one who tries to please God through fleshly efforts—has been crucified and is dead. He illustrates the futility of striving to overcome sin through our own strength, which leads to a cycle of despair and guilt. Instead, true transformation comes from faith in Christ, who is our source of strength and righteousness. The new man lives by faith, trusting in God's Word that declares our old self is dead and our life is now hidden with Christ. This faith allows us to embrace our new identity and live in the freedom that comes from being in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are the circumcision - We, who have embraced the faith of Christ crucified, are now entered into the new covenant, and according to that new covenant, worship God in the Spirit, exulting, καυχωμενοι, making our boast of Christ Jesus, as our only Savior, having no confidence in the flesh - in any outward rite or ceremony prescribed by the Jewish institutions.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
"We are the (real) circumcision" (Rom 2:25-29; Col 2:11). worship God in the Spirit--The oldest manuscripts read, "worship by the Spirit of God"; our religious service is rendered by the Spirit (Joh 4:23-24). Legal worship was outward, and consisted in outward acts, restricted to certain times and places. Christian worship is spiritual, flowing from the inworkings of the Holy Spirit, not relating to certain isolated acts, but embracing the whole life (Rom 12:1). In the former, men trusted in something human, whether descent from the theocratic nation, or the righteousness of the law, or mortification of "the flesh" ("Having confidence," or "glorying in the flesh") [NEANDER] (Rom 1:9). rejoice in Christ Jesus--"make our boast in Christ Jesus," not in the law: the ground of their boasting. have no confidence in the flesh--but in the Spirit.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For we are the circumcision,.... And not they; they have the name, and we the thing, or that which legal circumcision was a shadow of, namely, circumcision of the heart; which lies in being pricked to the heart under a true sense of sin; in having the hardness of the heart removed, and the iniquity of it laid to open view; in pain and contrition of heart about it, joined with shame for it, and loathing of it, the consequence of which is, a putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, Col 2:11, according to the former conversation; and also in a renouncing a man's own righteousness in point of justification before God, and acceptance with him. All which is the work of God, and not man, and is therefore called the circumcision made without hands, Col 2:11; it has God, and not man, for its author; and its praise is of God, and not of men; and its seat is in the heart and spirit, and not in the flesh; and such whose hearts are circumcised to love the Lord their God, and fear him, are the true circumcision: which worship God in the spirit. The object of worship is "God", and him only; not a creature animate or inanimate, stocks or stones, beasts, birds, men, or angels; only God, Father, Son, and Spirit: that the Father is to be worshipped, is not disputed, see Joh 4:21; and the Son is to be worshipped with the same worship the Father is; since he is in the form of God, and equal to him, is the Creator of all the Lord of angels and men, and is to be, and is worshipped by both; prayer is made unto him, baptism is administered in his name, and trust and confidence are placed in him; and so is the Holy Ghost, he being equally God with the Father and the Son, and therefore the same homage is to be given to him as to them: and so some indeed read the words here, "which worship God the Spirit"; or the Spirit, who is God. "Worship" is either inward or outward; inward worship lies in the exercise of grace on God, as of faith, hope, love, fear, &c. outward worship is the performance of certain external actions required by God, and both are to be performed: and it is also either private or public; private worship is in the closet, or in the family, and consists of praying, singing of praises, &c. public worship lies in tire observance of the outward ordinances of preaching, praying, hearing singing, &c. in the church of God; even all such ordinances as God has appointed, which are recorded in the Scriptures, and are confirmed by the authority of Christ. The manner in which worship is to be performed, is "in the Spirit"; either in and with the Spirit of God, without whose grace and assistance no part of it can be performed well. And the Alexandrian copy reads, "which worship in the Spirit of God"; and so the Complutensian edition, and several copies. Or in and with our own hearts and spirits, which should be engaged in every part of religious worship with much attention, diligence, and fervency; or in a spiritual manner, in opposition to the carnal worship of the Jews, and the bodily exercise of formal professors; and which lies in drawing nigh to God with true hearts, sincere and fervent ones, with grace in them, and that in exercise: and rejoice in Christ Jesus; or "glory in" him, and make their boast of him; for a different word is here used from that in Phi 3:1. Such who have a true sense of themselves, and a spiritual sight of Christ, will not glory in themselves, in their wisdom, strength, riches, or righteousness, but in Christ, in his wisdom and strength, in his riches and righteousness, and in his person and grace only: and have no confidence in the flesh; in any carnal descent, or birth privilege, as to be of the seed of Abraham, of the of Israel, or of such a tribe, or family, or born of such a parent; nor in circumcision, or any of the carnal ordinances of the ceremonial law; nor in any civil, moral, legal, and external righteousness, for so to do is but to make flesh an arm; or indeed to trust in anything out of Christ, or short of him; and all this makes up the character and description of a true believer in Christ.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:3 Circumcision was understood as identifying the true people of God (see Gen 17:10-14), but those who put their trust in Christ are the ones who are truly circumcised in heart (see Rom 2:28-29; cp. Jer 4:4; Eph 2:11; Col 2:11-13).