Confessions - Book Xii - Chapter Xxxii
St. Augustine reflects on the divine inspiration and multifaceted meanings of Scripture, emphasizing the pursuit of the truest understanding guided by God's Spirit.
In this reflective sermon, St. Augustine explores the divine inspiration behind Scripture and the complexities involved in interpreting its multifaceted meanings. He emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers toward the truest understanding and encourages humility and faith in this interpretive journey. Augustine also highlights the vastness of Scripture and the need for divine illumination to avoid error. This sermon invites listeners to seek God's truth earnestly and trust in His guidance.
Text
43. Finally, O Lord--who art God and not flesh and blood--if any man sees anything less, can anything lie hid from \"thy good Spirit\" who shall \"lead me into the land of uprightness,\"[503] which thou thyself, through those words, wast revealing to future readers, even though he through whom they were spoken fixed on only one among the many interpretations that might have been found? And if this is so, let it be agreed that the meaning he saw is more exalted than the others. But to us, O Lord, either point out the same meaning or any other true one, as it pleases thee. Thus, whether thou makest known to us what thou madest known to that man of thine, or some other meaning by the agency of the same words, still do thou feed us and let error not deceive us. Behold, O Lord, my God, how much we have written concerning these few words--how much, indeed! What strength of mind, what length of time, would suffice for all thy books to be interpreted in this fashion?[504] Allow me, therefore, in these concluding words to confess more briefly to thee and select some one, true, certain, and good sense that thou shalt inspire, although many meanings offer themselves and many indeed are possible.[505] This is the faith of my confession, that if I could say what thy servant meant, that is truest and best, and for that I must strive. Yet if I do not succeed, may it be that I shall say at least what thy Truth wished to say to me through its words, just as it said what it wished to Moses.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Acknowledgement of God's transcendence beyond flesh and blood
- Recognition of the Spirit's role in guiding understanding
- The challenge of interpreting Scripture's multiple meanings
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II
- The importance of seeking the truest and most exalted meaning
- Humility in accepting God's guidance in interpretation
- The necessity of faith in the interpretive process
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III
- Reflection on the vastness of Scripture and the effort required to understand it
- A prayer for divine illumination and protection from error
- Commitment to confessing faith through inspired understanding
Key Quotes
“Finally, O Lord--who art God and not flesh and blood--if any man sees anything less, can anything lie hid from "thy good Spirit" who shall "lead me into the land of uprightness,” — St. Augustine
“Allow me, therefore, in these concluding words to confess more briefly to thee and select some one, true, certain, and good sense that thou shalt inspire, although many meanings offer themselves and many indeed are possible.” — St. Augustine
“This is the faith of my confession, that if I could say what thy servant meant, that is truest and best, and for that I must strive.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit when reading and interpreting Scripture.
- Approach the Bible with humility, acknowledging the possibility of multiple meanings.
- Pray for divine illumination to understand and apply God's truth accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of this sermon?
The sermon focuses on the divine inspiration of Scripture and the pursuit of its true meaning through the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
How does Augustine view multiple interpretations of Scripture?
He acknowledges many possible meanings but emphasizes striving for the truest and most exalted interpretation inspired by God.
What role does faith play in understanding Scripture according to Augustine?
Faith is essential as it undergirds the humility and trust needed to receive God's truth through Scripture.
Does Augustine claim to have the final interpretation?
No, he humbly prays for God to reveal either the same or another true meaning and seeks to avoid error.
Why does Augustine mention Moses in this sermon?
He references Moses to illustrate how God reveals truth through chosen servants, paralleling his own desire to receive inspired understanding.