Confessions - Book Xiii - Chapter Xiii
St. Augustine emphasizes the Christian journey of faith and hope, urging believers to transcend worldly conformity through spiritual renewal and to long for the heavenly dwelling with God.
In this devotional sermon, St. Augustine reflects on the Christian life as a journey of faith and hope, emphasizing the necessity of spiritual transformation through the renewal of the mind. He calls believers to long for their heavenly home and to resist worldly conformity. Drawing on Scripture, Augustine encourages a deep thirst for God and reliance on the Spirit's empowering presence.
Text
14. But even so, we still live by faith and not by sight, for we are saved by hope; but hope that is seen is not hope. Thus far deep calls unto deep, but now in \"the noise of thy waterfalls.\"[537] And thus far he who said, \"I could not speak to you as if you were spiritual ones, but only as if you were carnal\"[538]--thus far even he does not count himself to have apprehended, but forgetting the things that are behind and reaching forth to the things that are before, he presses on to those things that are ahead,[539] and he groans under his burden and his soul thirsts after the living God as the stag pants for the water brooks,[540] and says, \"When shall I come?\"[541]--\"desiring to be further clothed by his house which is from heaven.\"[542] And he called to this lower deep, saying, \"Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.\"[543] And \"be not children in understanding, although in malice be children,\" in order that \"in understanding you may become perfect.\"[544] \"O foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you?\"[545] But this is not now only in his own voice but in thy voice, who sent thy Spirit from above through Him who both \"ascended up on high\"[546] and opened up the floodgates of his gifts, that the force of his streams might make glad the city of God.[547]
For that city and for him sighs the Bridegroom\\
Sermon Outline
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I. Living by Faith and Hope
- Faith sustains believers beyond what is seen
- Hope is essential but must remain unseen to be true hope
- The Christian life is a journey pressing forward
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II. Spiritual Growth and Transformation
- Believers must not conform to the world
- Renewal of the mind leads to spiritual maturity
- Avoid childish understanding in favor of perfection
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III. Longing for the Heavenly Home
- The soul thirsts for God like a stag for water
- Believers desire to be clothed with the heavenly dwelling
- The Spirit empowers and gladdens the city of God
Key Quotes
“We still live by faith and not by sight, for we are saved by hope; but hope that is seen is not hope.” — St. Augustine
“The soul thirsts after the living God as the stag pants for the water brooks.” — St. Augustine
“Be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Trust God even when you cannot see the outcome, living by faith and hope.
- Commit to daily renewing your mind through Scripture and prayer to grow spiritually.
- Cultivate a deep longing for God and the eternal home He promises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does St. Augustine mean by living 'by faith and not by sight'?
He means that Christians trust in God's promises even when they cannot see the fulfillment, relying on faith rather than physical evidence.
Why is hope described as something that must remain unseen?
Because once hope is seen or fulfilled, it ceases to be hope and becomes certainty or possession.
What is the significance of renewing the mind?
Renewing the mind transforms believers away from worldly patterns toward spiritual maturity and understanding.
How does the soul's thirst for God relate to Christian longing?
It illustrates the deep desire believers have for communion with God and their heavenly home.
What role does the Spirit play according to this sermon?
The Spirit is sent from above to empower believers and bring joy to the city of God.