Confessions - Book I - Chapter IV
St. Augustine eloquently portrays the paradoxical and transcendent nature of God, emphasizing His omnipotence, mercy, and inscrutable presence.
In this devotional sermon, St. Augustine explores the profound and paradoxical nature of God, highlighting His omnipotence, mercy, and eternal presence. He reflects on God's unchanging plans amid changing circumstances and the mystery of divine love and justice. Augustine challenges believers to acknowledge their limited understanding while encouraging them to boldly praise and contemplate the Lord. This sermon invites listeners into a deeper appreciation of God's transcendent character.
Text
4. What, therefore, is my God? What, I ask, but the Lord God? \"For who is Lord but the Lord himself, or who is God besides our God?\"[13] Most high, most excellent, most potent, most omnipotent; most merciful and most just; most secret and most truly present; most beautiful and most strong; stable, yet not supported; unchangeable, yet changing all things; never new, never old; making all things new, yet bringing old age upon the proud, and they know it not; always working, ever at rest; gathering, yet needing nothing; sustaining, pervading, and protecting; creating, nourishing, and developing; seeking, and yet possessing all things. Thou dost love, but without passion; art jealous, yet free from care; dost repent without remorse; art angry, yet remainest serene. Thou changest thy ways, leaving thy plans unchanged; thou recoverest what thou hast never really lost. Thou art never in need but still thou dost rejoice at thy gains; art never greedy, yet demandest dividends. Men pay more than is required so that thou dost become a debtor; yet who can possess anything at all which is not already thine? Thou owest men nothing, yet payest out to them as if in debt to thy creature, and when thou dost cancel debts thou losest nothing thereby. Yet, O my God, my life, my holy Joy, what is this that I have said? What can any man say when he speaks of thee? But woe to them that keep silence--since even those who say most are dumb.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the nature of God
- God as the Most High and Most Potent
- God’s merciful and just character
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II
- Paradoxes in God’s nature explained
- God’s unchanging plans amid changing ways
- God’s omnipresence and sustaining power
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III
- God’s relationship with creation
- God’s love without passion and anger without disturbance
- The mystery of God’s providence and justice
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IV
- Human limitations in describing God
- The danger of silence about God
- Encouragement to speak and praise God
Key Quotes
“Most high, most excellent, most potent, most omnipotent; most merciful and most just; most secret and most truly present; most beautiful and most strong;” — St. Augustine
“Thou dost love, but without passion; art jealous, yet free from care; dost repent without remorse; art angry, yet remainest serene.” — St. Augustine
“What can any man say when he speaks of thee? But woe to them that keep silence--since even those who say most are dumb.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Recognize and meditate on the paradoxical nature of God to deepen your faith.
- Do not remain silent about God’s greatness; share your faith and praise openly.
- Trust in God's unchanging plans even when circumstances around you change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this sermon?
The sermon focuses on describing the multifaceted and paradoxical nature of God as understood by St. Augustine.
Why does Augustine describe God with paradoxes?
He uses paradoxes to express the mystery and transcendence of God beyond human comprehension.
What Bible verse is referenced in this sermon?
1 Samuel 2:2 is cited to affirm that the Lord alone is God and supreme.
What does Augustine say about speaking of God?
He warns that even those who speak much about God are limited, but silence about God is worse.
How does this sermon encourage believers?
It encourages believers to recognize God's greatness and to boldly praise and contemplate His nature.