In Paul’s incredible statement in 1 Timothy 1:15 the man who says that if anyone could have confidence in the flesh it was him (Philippians 3:4-6), reminds us that he is the chief of sinners. Notice his word was “am” not was. This word is not past tense as in “I was” but present tense as if to say: no matter how far I’ve come, in light of God’s holy perfection I still desperately need the grace of Christ.
When we attempt to minimize the cross or our own sinfulness, we are attempting to minimize our need for Jesus. Tonight no matter how holy and sanctified you are, be careful where (or whom) you are placing your trust in.
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—
Philippians 3:3 NIV
https://philippians.bible/philippians-3-3
