…and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Summary: As we prepare for Paul’s essay on what the flesh can and cannot do, it is helpful to understand the basics of our human nature.
If you don’t know what Paul means by putting “confidence in the flesh,” he is going to explain, in great detail, in the next few verses. Meanwhile, this is a good opportunity to preview the concept before we dive into the details.
First, let’s look at what the “flesh” is. God’s Word says:
“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” (Genesis 2:7)
The “dust of the ground” became what we call the “flesh.” A few verses later, God explains to Adam, “… dust you are and to dust you will return.”
The “dust” part of our existence has an expiration date, which is a good thing considering that the fruit of the forbidden tree corrupted the flesh (Genesis 3:5) and left it in a state of war between good and evil (Romans 7:21-25).
Second, it is helpful to look at what the “flesh” is not.
The flesh is not the “breath of life” that God breathes into mankind’s nostrils.
In the original Hebrew, the word “nᵉshâmâh” (breath) refers to our spirit.* This is the part of us that does not return to dust because it is eternal. Without Jesus and the promise of redemption he offers those who believe in him, this part of us, our soul or spirit, is condemned to “suffer the punishment of eternal fire” (Jude 1:7).
Fortunately for us, God wants us all to avoid this fate. Instead, he wants us to be with him. Instead of eternal fire, eternal paradise (Luke 23:43).
From a practical standpoint, the flesh is not going to be around very long. For this reason alone, no one should put their trust in the flesh.
Interestingly, Paul is more concerned with another aspect of the flesh: what it can and cannot do. As we meditate on his words on this topic, we hope to gain insight into the limitations of the flesh and the reason for our hope in Jesus Christ.
Application: Thank God for our hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Food for Thought: What would we have to do differently to be able to rely on the flesh?
*”H5397 – nᵊšāmâ – Strong’s Hebrew Lexicon (niv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 15 Sep, 2025. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5397/niv/wlc/0-1/>.
I feel like the question is designed to highlight the futility of relying on the flesh.
I don’t think there is anything we could do differently to be able to rely on the flesh. The Bible tells us explicitly what happens when we set our mind on (rely on) the flesh:
Romans 8:5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
The flesh and the Spirit are incompatible
Galatians 5:17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.
Therefore
Galatians 6:8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
and
Romans 8:8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.
We are called to freedom to serve each other in love through Christ.
Romans 13:14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
Thank you, Chris!
Well done! Excellent analysis.
I see the fleshly nature not so much our as physical bodies, but instead our sinful nature in rebellion to God (ultimately a spiritual death problem). Therefore, to rely on the flesh is in opposition to relying on God. What we need to do to rely on the flesh is to do whatever we want with no thought of pleasing God or living for Him.
Galatians 5: 13 – 26: You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh a ; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
16So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever c you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Thank you, Rich!
You are touching on a deep distinction.
Great comments this morning! Thank You Guy’s!
What would we have to do differently to be able to rely on the flesh?
Romans 7:24-25, O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
Our flesh is corruptible and we must become incorruptible. The power of our flesh must be totally destroyed and replaced by the power of the Spirit of God. This process begins and continues as we during our time here on earth, surrender ourselves to His will over our own, and will be fully complete when we are called into His presence, in heaven above.
Matthew 5:48, Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
1 Corinthians 15:53, For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.
Philippians 3:12, Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.
Thank you, Ron!
Yes, the key is to “surrender ourselves to His will.”
Amen!