Confessions - Book X - Chapter V
St. Augustine reflects on the profound mystery of human self-knowledge in relation to God's perfect understanding and faithfulness amidst temptation.
In this devotional sermon from Confessions Book X Chapter V, St. Augustine meditates on the profound mystery of human self-knowledge in relation to God's perfect and complete understanding. He explores the limitations of human insight, the reality of temptation, and the faithfulness of God who provides strength and escape. Augustine invites believers to confess their partial knowledge and look forward to the day of full enlightenment in God's presence.
Text
7. For it is thou, O Lord, who judgest me. For although no man \"knows the things of a man, save the spirit of the man which is in him,\"[327] yet there is something of man which \"the spirit of the man which is in him\" does not know itself. But thou, O Lord, who madest him, knowest him completely. And even I--though in thy sight I despise myself and count myself but dust and ashes--even I know something about thee which I do not know about myself. And it is certain that \"now we see through a glass darkly,\" not yet \"face to face.\"[328] Therefore, as long as I journey away from thee, I am more present with myself than with thee. I know that thou canst not suffer violence, but I myself do not know what temptations I can resist, and what I cannot. But there is hope, because thou art faithful and thou wilt not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist, but wilt with the temptation also make a way of escape that we may be able to bear it. I would therefore confess what I know about myself; I will also confess what I do not know about myself. What I do know of myself, I know from thy enlightening of me; and what I do not know of myself, I will continue not to know until the time when my \"darkness is as the noonday\"[329] in thy sight.
Sermon Outline
-
I. The Limitations of Human Self-Knowledge
- No one fully knows the inner spirit of another
- Even the spirit of man does not fully know itself
- God alone has complete knowledge of man
-
II. The Contrast Between God’s Knowledge and Human Self-Perception
- Man often despises himself as dust and ashes
- Yet man knows something about God beyond self-knowledge
- Our current understanding is partial, like seeing through a glass darkly
-
III. The Reality of Temptation and God’s Faithfulness
- God does not allow temptations beyond our ability to bear
- God provides a way of escape with every temptation
- Hope is found in God’s faithfulness amidst trials
-
IV. Confession and the Journey Toward Full Enlightenment
- Confessing what we know and do not know about ourselves
- Acknowledging God’s enlightening work in self-knowledge
- Anticipating the day when darkness will be as noonday before God
Key Quotes
“For although no man "knows the things of a man, save the spirit of the man which is in him," yet there is something of man which "the spirit of the man which is in him" does not know itself.” — St. Augustine
“Now we see through a glass darkly, not yet face to face.” — St. Augustine
“Thou art faithful and thou wilt not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability to resist, but wilt with the temptation also make a way of escape that we may be able to bear it.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Trust in God's faithfulness to provide strength and escape in times of temptation.
- Practice honest confession about what you know and do not know about yourself.
- Maintain hope for full understanding and enlightenment in God's presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does St. Augustine mean by 'now we see through a glass darkly'?
He refers to the partial and imperfect understanding humans have of themselves and God in this life, anticipating fuller clarity in the afterlife.
How does God’s knowledge of man differ from human self-knowledge?
God has complete and perfect knowledge of every aspect of man, whereas humans have limited and often flawed self-understanding.
What assurance does Augustine offer regarding temptation?
God is faithful and will not allow anyone to be tempted beyond their ability to resist, providing a way of escape.
Why is confession important according to this sermon?
Confession acknowledges both what we know and do not know about ourselves, fostering humility and reliance on God’s enlightenment.
What hope does Augustine express for the future?
He hopes for the time when human darkness will be replaced by full light and understanding in God’s presence.