Confessions - Book Viii - Chapter IV
St. Augustine emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace in drawing even the most hardened sinners into His light, highlighting the joy and unity found in salvation regardless of earthly status.
In this devotional sermon, St. Augustine reflects on the transformative power of God's grace to redeem even the most hardened sinners. He highlights the joy shared among believers when one is brought into the light of salvation, regardless of social standing. Augustine also underscores God's preference for the humble and weak, using the example of Paul’s conversion to illustrate victory over sin and pride. This sermon invites listeners to embrace humility, rejoice in communal salvation, and deepen their love for God.
Text
9. Go on, O Lord, and act: stir us up and call us back; inflame us and draw us to thee; stir us up and grow sweet to us; let us now love thee, let us run to thee. Are there not many men who, out of a deeper pit of darkness than that of Victorinus, return to thee--who draw near to thee and are illuminated by that light which gives those who receive it power from thee to become thy sons? But if they are less well-known, even those who know them rejoice less for them. For when many rejoice together the joy of each one is fuller, in that they warm one another, catch fire from each other; moreover, those who are well-known influence many toward salvation and take the lead with many to follow them. Therefore, even those who took the way before them rejoice over them greatly, because they do not rejoice over them alone. But it ought never to be that in thy tabernacle the persons of the rich should be welcome before the poor, or the nobly born before the rest--since \"thou hast rather chosen the weak things of the world to confound the strong; and hast chosen the base things of the world and things that are despised, and the things that are not, in order to bring to nought the things that are.\"[245] It was even \"the least of the apostles\" by whose tongue thou didst sound forth these words. And when Paulus the proconsul had his pride overcome by the onslaught of the apostle and he was made to pass under the easy yoke of thy Christ and became an officer of the great King, he also desired to be called Paul instead of Saul, his former name, in testimony to such a great victory.[246] For the enemy is more overcome in one on whom he has a greater hold, and whom he has hold of more completely. But the proud he controls more readily through their concern about their rank and, through them, he controls more by means of their influence. The more, therefore, the world prized the heart of Victorinus (which the devil had held in an impregnable stronghold) and the tongue of Victorinus (that sharp, strong weapon with which the devil had slain so many), all the more exultingly should Thy sons rejoice because our King hath bound the strong man, and they saw his vessels taken from him and cleansed, and made fit for thy honor and \"profitable to the Lord for every good work.\"[247]
Sermon Outline
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I
- Call for God’s action to stir and draw believers
- The power of God’s light to transform even the darkest hearts
- The communal joy in salvation among believers
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II
- Equality before God regardless of social status
- God’s choice of the weak to confound the strong
- The example of Paul’s transformation as a model
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III
- The devil’s hold on pride and influence
- Victory over the enemy through God’s power
- Believers made profitable for every good work
Key Quotes
“Go on, O Lord, and act: stir us up and call us back; inflame us and draw us to thee; stir us up and grow sweet to us; let us now love thee, let us run to thee.” — St. Augustine
“Thou hast rather chosen the weak things of the world to confound the strong; and hast chosen the base things of the world and things that are despised, and the things that are not, in order to bring to nought the things that are.” — St. Augustine
“The more, therefore, the world prized the heart of Victorinus... all the more exultingly should Thy sons rejoice because our King hath bound the strong man.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Allow God to stir your heart and draw you closer to Him through prayer and reflection.
- Rejoice in the salvation of others and support fellow believers regardless of their background.
- Embrace humility by recognizing that God values the weak and uses them for His glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main message of this sermon?
The sermon teaches that God’s grace can transform anyone, regardless of their past or status, and calls believers to rejoice in this divine work.
Who is Victorinus mentioned in the sermon?
Victorinus was a figure whose heart and tongue were once held by the devil but were transformed by God’s grace.
Why does Augustine mention Paul’s name change?
Paul’s name change symbolizes his victory over sin and his new identity in Christ after conversion.
How does the sermon address social inequality?
It emphasizes that God does not favor the rich or noble over the poor, choosing the weak to shame the strong.
What practical encouragement does Augustine offer?
He encourages believers to be stirred up in love for God and to rejoice together in the salvation of others.