Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian faith, the concept of trust is foundational, particularly the trust that saints, or believers, place in God rather than in human strength or wisdom. This trust is not rooted in the flesh, which refers to human abilities, efforts, or worldly resources, but is instead anchored in the divine power and promises of God.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently emphasizes the futility of relying on the flesh. In Philippians 3:3, the Apostle Paul writes, "For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by His Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh." Here, Paul contrasts the spiritual identity of believers with reliance on human credentials or achievements. Jeremiah 17:5-7 further underscores this theme: "This is what the LORD says: 'Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind, who makes the flesh his strength and turns his heart from the LORD. He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.'" This passage highlights the stark difference between the outcomes of trusting in human strength versus trusting in God. Theological Implications Theologically, the trust of saints not being in the flesh signifies a reliance on God's sovereignty and grace. It acknowledges human limitations and the need for divine intervention. This trust is an expression of faith, recognizing that salvation, sanctification, and ultimate victory come from God alone, not from human effort. Romans 8:8-9 states, "Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God. You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you." This passage indicates that living by the Spirit, rather than the flesh, is essential for a life that pleases God. Practical Application For believers, trusting not in the flesh means living a life of dependence on God. It involves prayer, seeking God's guidance, and relying on His strength in times of weakness. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This encourages believers to seek divine wisdom rather than relying solely on human reasoning. Examples from Scripture Throughout Scripture, there are numerous examples of individuals who exemplified trust in God rather than the flesh. David, when facing Goliath, declared, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied." (1 Samuel 17:45) David's confidence was not in his own strength but in God's power. Similarly, the account of Gideon in Judges 7 demonstrates trust in God over human might. God reduced Gideon's army to a mere 300 men to ensure that the victory over the Midianites would be attributed to divine intervention rather than human strength. Conclusion The trust of saints is fundamentally a trust in God, not in the flesh. This trust is a defining characteristic of the Christian life, shaping how believers live, make decisions, and face challenges. It is a trust that acknowledges God's ultimate authority and power, leading to a life of faith and dependence on Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Philippians 3:3,4For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Saints and Faithful The Great Preparatives for the Saints' Rest. Christ the Mediator of the Covenant Wilt Thou be Made Whole? Of True Meekness and Adversity: and of the Example of the Saints ... The Unchangeable Christ The Excellencies of the Saints' Rest. Cyprian's Orthodoxy Undoubted. The Good Man Useful in Life and Happy in Death. Strong Christians. Resources Why should I trust GotQuestions.org? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we learn to trust God like the prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 3:17-19)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about trusting others? | GotQuestions.org Trust: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Trust of Saints Is in the Mercy of God Trust of Saints Is in the Word of God Trust of Saints Is: Despised by the Wicked Trust of Saints Is: Grounded on the Covenant Trust of Saints Is: Not in Carnal Weapons Trust of Saints Is: Not in the Flesh Trust of Saints Is: Not in Themselves Trust of Saints Is: Strong in the Prospect of Death Trust of Saints Is: Through Christ Trust of Saints Is: Unalterable Trust of the Wicked is in Earthly Alliances Trust of the Wicked is in Falsehood Trust of the Wicked is in Idols Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Heart Trust of the Wicked is in Their own Righteousness Trust of the Wicked is in Vanity Trust of the Wicked is in Wealth Trust of the Wicked is not in God Trust of the Wicked is Vain and Delusive Trust of the Wicked: Israelites Trust of the Wicked: Sennacherib Trust of the Wicked: Shall be Destroyed Trust of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed Trust of the Wicked--Illustrated Trust: Blessedness of Placing, in God Trust: Encouragements to Former Deliverances Trust: Encouragements to The Care of God for Us Trust: Encouragements to The Everlasting Strength of God Trust: Encouragements to The Goodness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Loving-Kindness of God Trust: Encouragements to The Rich Bounty of God Trust: God is the True Object of Trust: Leads to Being Compassed With Mercy Trust: Leads to Deliverance from Enemies Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of all Temporal and Spiritual Blessings Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Happiness Trust: Leads to Enjoyment of Perfect Peace Trust: Leads to Fulfilment of all Holy Desires Trust: Leads to Rejoicing in God Trust: Leads to Safety in Times of Danger Trust: Saints Plead, in Prayer Trust: should be from Youth Up Trust: should be With the Whole Heart Trust: The Fear of God Leads To Trust: The Lord Knows Those Who Have Trust: To be Accompanied by Doing Good Related Terms |
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