Philippians 3:9

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.

(v9, NIV)

Even though he has much reason to boast, Paul puts no confidence in the flesh. Paul's background, education, effort and character gave him many reasons to confidence in his flesh. Also, his investment in his flesh was his means of attaining righteousness. However, we as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ do not hold fast to our own work as our righteousness. We do not have a righteousness that is our own, but one that is through faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot use our works in following the law to prove ourselves to be righteous. It is only through Christ that we can receive his imputed righteousness.

We put no confidence in our flesh. Paul talks about them and counts them as rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ. We must throw away those things and cast them aside as garbage. Then our identity can be found in the Jesus. It is nothing we do, but it is what he has done for us. Let us submit this prideful attitude that resides in us thinking that we can do it of our own strength. Rely on his strength in humble obedience.