Confessions - Book Xiii - Chapter Vii
St. Augustine explores the transformative power of the Holy Spirit's love that elevates the soul from the depths of concupiscence to the surpassing knowledge of Christ's love.
In this devotional sermon, St. Augustine reflects on the profound work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, emphasizing how divine love overcomes the pull of sinful desires. He contrasts the downward drag of concupiscence with the uplifting power of the Spirit, inviting listeners to experience the surpassing knowledge of Christ's love. Through vivid imagery and scriptural insights, Augustine guides believers toward spiritual transformation and ultimate rest in God.
Text
8. Now let him who is able follow thy apostle with his understanding when he says, \"Thy love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is given to us\"[515] and who teacheth us about spiritual gifts[516] and showeth us a more excellent way of love; and who bows his knee unto thee for us, that we may come to the surpassing knowledge of the love of Christ.[517] Thus, from the beginning, he who is above all was \"moving over\" the waters.
To whom shall I tell this? How can I speak of the weight of concupiscence which drags us downward into the deep abyss, and of the love which lifts us up by thy Spirit who moved over the waters? To whom shall I tell this? How shall I tell it? For concupiscence and love are not certain \"places\" into which we are plunged and out of which we are lifted again. What could be more like, and yet what more unlike? They are both feelings; they are both loves. The uncleanness of our own spirit flows downward with the love of worldly care; and the sanctity of thy Spirit raises us upward by the love of release from anxiety--that we may lift our hearts to thee where thy Spirit is \"moving over the waters.\" Thus, we shall have come to that supreme rest where our souls shall have passed through the waters which give no standing ground.[518]
Sermon Outline
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I
- The Holy Spirit's role in imparting love
- Understanding spiritual gifts through the Spirit
- The Spirit's intercession for believers
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II
- The struggle of concupiscence dragging the soul downward
- The contrast between worldly love and divine love
- The dual nature of feelings: concupiscence and sanctified love
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III
- The Spirit's power to lift the soul upward
- Releasing anxiety through divine love
- The soul's journey to supreme rest through the Spirit
Key Quotes
“Thy love is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who is given to us and who teacheth us about spiritual gifts and showeth us a more excellent way of love.” — St. Augustine
“The uncleanness of our own spirit flows downward with the love of worldly care; and the sanctity of thy Spirit raises us upward by the love of release from anxiety.” — St. Augustine
“Thus, we shall have come to that supreme rest where our souls shall have passed through the waters which give no standing ground.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Allow the Holy Spirit to teach and guide your understanding of love and spiritual gifts.
- Recognize and resist the downward pull of worldly desires through prayer and reliance on God's Spirit.
- Seek the peace and rest that come from releasing anxiety and embracing the love of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does St. Augustine mean by concupiscence?
Concupiscence refers to the strong desire or lust that drags the soul downward into sin and worldly cares.
How does the Holy Spirit help believers according to this sermon?
The Holy Spirit imparts love, teaches about spiritual gifts, intercedes for us, and lifts our hearts toward God.
What is the significance of the Spirit 'moving over the waters'?
It symbolizes the Spirit's presence from creation and its ongoing work in renewing and sanctifying the soul.
How can believers experience the 'surpassing knowledge of the love of Christ'?
By allowing the Holy Spirit to teach and transform their hearts, leading them beyond worldly anxieties to divine rest.