Three Marks of the New Nature. Philippians 3:3. “For we are the circumcision which worship God in the Spirit and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.” Circumcision is a matter of the heart, not of the flesh. The true people of God, whom His grace has saved, are God’s people because they are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. They have no confidence in fleshly activities to make them acceptable to a just and holy God. They are not trying to earn salvation through any deeds. We cannot satisfy God by working for Him and anxiously wondering if we are doing enough. Any work for God that holds value is a response of love to Him for the free gift of eternal life that He offers to those who believe in Him.
Spiritual worship is genuine when the Spirit of God moves us to do more than just go through religious rituals. We can sing “worship songs” and not truly worship. We can say the right words, but they have no real meaning if they do not come from a grateful heart filled with love for the Lord. True circumcision of a believer's heart will lead them to glory in the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and find their reason to rejoice in Him. Such a person knows themselves well enough not to rely on their own efforts, honor, or accomplishments to approach and reach God. The weakness of human nature often causes us to boast in ourselves, but those who know the Lord Jesus personally boast only in Him.
Worship in the Spirit involves a quietness of soul. Rejoicing in Christ Jesus is a spiritual response to the fact that He has made us a new creation in Himself. We have no confidence in the flesh because the flesh and our sinful nature can only deceive us. These are signs of authenticity in those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Worship in the Spirit is genuine when the Spirit leads us to sing hymns and publicly read scriptures that are suitable for the occasion. Rejoicing in Christ Jesus directs our minds and hearts to the One who was the atonement for our sins. No confidence in the flesh makes sense because death is the ultimate fate of our flesh. We cherish these marks of the new nature.
Worshiping in the Spirit during assembly gatherings connects our thoughts with those of others, enabling us to say “Amen” to what is spoken aloud. Rejoicing in Christ Jesus grows when we share our new life in Him with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. No reliance on the flesh is needed because the flesh in us only reveals our sin and shows its terrible nature. These signs are clear when we come together with the Lord’s people in fellowship. Worship in the Spirit is guided by God. Rejoicing in Christ Jesus is natural when we genuinely love the Lord. No reliance on the flesh is possible as we continue learning through the Word of God. These are signs of the new nature, and we can be confident in the reality of our salvation when these are present in our lives.