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This is an inference from the last, and means that the Christian who rejoices in Christ hath no confidence in anything that is not Christ or in Christ.

I. IN POINT OF JUSTIFICATION.

1. The saints have no confidence in external things.

(1) Man's externals — things which God never made duty, but are made so by man (Matthew 15:9). All unscriptural institutions, opinions, and practices, under whatever pretensions of holiness, carry off men from Christ and are subservient to self (Matthew 15:4-6; Corinthians 18-21).

(2) Nor even in God's externals. E.g.(a) In their external condition in the world which we receive by God's providence. The carnal poor think that thereby they will be relieved of eternal poverty, and the carnal rich in this world, that they will be before others in the world to come (Hosea 12:8; Romans 14:17). You may be miserable here and through eternity (Job 15:23-24); or fare sumptuously here and be in torment by and by (Luke 16).

(b) In their external privileges (vers. 5, 7; 2 Corinthians 5:16; Luke 13:26-27).

(c) In their external attainments (vers. 6-7). Great confidence have some in their negative holiness (Luke 18:11; Matthew 5:20).

(d) In their external duties (ver. 8). There are two classes opposite to the Christian in this — the ignorant, who do little or nothing, and yet say they serve God as well as they can; and those who have the full form of godliness and rest in that. But as they are mere external duties they are abominable to God (Isaiah 1:11, etc.; Mark 10:20-21).

(e) In their external sufferings. The glorified put nothing down to their tribulation, but all to Christ's blood. "Therefore are they before the throne."

2. The saints have no confidence for the favour of God in internals. There is no exception but one (Colossians 1:27). They have no confidence in internal —

(1) dispositions (Proverbs 28:26). Many have a confidence in what they call their good hearts; but if God's testimony is to be believed, it is a false confidence (Jeremiah 17:9).

(2) Exercises on their own spirits.

(3) Attainments (Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:8).

(4) Graces.

II. IN POINT OF SANCTIFICATION. As they have taken Him alone for justification, so for this (1 Corinthians 1:30). The saints have no confidence for this.

1. In their stock of natural and acquired abilities (2 Corinthians 3:51), knowledge, utterance, good temper, etc.

2. In the means, such as the Word, sacraments, prayer, etc. Knowing that it is the Spirit that quickeneth (John 6:63).

3. In their purposes and resolutions for holiness (2 Timothy 1:12).

4. In their vows and engagements to holiness (Isaiah 45:23-24).

5. In their own endeavours after holiness (Psalm 127:1).

6. In the good frame and disposition of their hearts, i.e., in actual grace, a most desirable thing, but no staff to lean upon (1 Chronicles 29:17-18).

7. In habitual grace. Paul had a good stock of it, but he did not venture to live on it (Galatians 2:20). Grace within the saints is a well whose springs are often dry; but the grace without them in Christ is an ever-flowing fountain (John 6:57).

(T. Boston, D. D.)

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KJV: For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

WEB: For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;