Augustine: From Lust to Divine Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer

Monica's unwavering prayers for her son Augustine serve as a profound example of the impact of intercessory prayer. Despite Augustine's initial resistance and pursuit of worldly pleasures, Monica's faithfulness in prayer was instrumental in his eventual conversion. Her story reminds us that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people, often in ways that surpass our understanding. Persistent prayer is not about changing God's mind but aligning our hearts with His will, trusting that He is working even when we cannot see it. [01:30]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV): "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Reflection: Who in your life needs your persistent prayers today? How can you commit to praying for them consistently, trusting in God's timing and plan?

Day 2: The Journey from Lust to Grace

Augustine's struggle with lust highlights the universal human battle with sin. Despite his intellectual pursuits and spiritual awakenings, he found himself ensnared by desires that kept him from fully embracing a life devoted to God. It was only through the transformative power of grace, experienced through a personal encounter with Scripture, that Augustine was liberated from these chains. His story underscores the truth that grace can break the strongest bonds and lead us to true freedom in God. [21:07]

Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."

Reflection: What is one area of sin in your life where you need to experience God's grace? How can you invite Him into that struggle today?

Day 3: Intellectual Pursuit and Spiritual Awakening

Augustine's encounter with Cicero's "Hortensius" and the teachings of the Platonists illustrates how intellectual pursuits can serve as a stepping stone to spiritual awakening. His quest for knowledge was not in vain, as it ultimately led him to a deeper understanding of God. This journey shows that God can use our intellectual curiosity to draw us closer to Him, transforming our understanding and desires. It challenges us to seek wisdom and truth, knowing that these pursuits can lead us to a greater revelation of God's character. [06:14]

Proverbs 2:3-6 (ESV): "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Reflection: How can you use your intellectual pursuits to deepen your relationship with God? What steps can you take to seek His wisdom in your studies or work?

Day 4: The Role of Godly Influence

Ambrose's influence on Augustine underscores the importance of godly mentors in our spiritual journey. Through Ambrose's preaching, Augustine was introduced to the richness of God's truth, which played a crucial role in his conversion. This highlights the value of surrounding ourselves with individuals who can guide us in our faith and challenge us to grow. Godly influence can be a powerful catalyst for transformation, encouraging us to pursue a deeper relationship with God. [11:46]

Hebrews 13:7 (ESV): "Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith."

Reflection: Who are the godly influences in your life? How can you seek out or strengthen relationships with mentors who can guide you in your spiritual journey?

Day 5: The Struggle for True Enjoyment

Augustine's realization that true enjoyment is found in God alone challenges us to examine our own pursuits. His journey teaches us that the fleeting pleasures of this world pale in comparison to the lasting joy found in a relationship with God. This understanding calls us to reevaluate what we seek for fulfillment and to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. True enjoyment is not found in temporary pleasures but in the eternal presence of God. [16:00]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: What are the things you currently pursue for enjoyment? How can you shift your focus to find true joy in God's presence today?

Sermon Summary

Augustine's journey from a life of lust and worldly pursuits to a profound relationship with God is a testament to the transformative power of grace. Born in 354, Augustine was raised by a pagan father and a devout Christian mother, Monica, whose relentless prayers for her son were instrumental in his eventual conversion. Despite his mother's influence, Augustine was initially consumed by a desire for worldly pleasures and intellectual acclaim. His early education in rhetoric in Carthage and subsequent teaching career in Rome and Milan were marked by a pursuit of status and sensual gratification.

Augustine's first significant shift occurred at 19 when he read Cicero's "Hortensius," which ignited in him a passion for wisdom and eternal truth. This was not yet a conversion to Christianity, but it marked the beginning of his spiritual awakening. His journey continued as he encountered the teachings of the Platonists and the sermons of Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan. These experiences gradually shifted his understanding of God from a distant philosophical concept to a personal, transcendent being.

Despite these intellectual and spiritual awakenings, Augustine struggled with the bonds of lust. It was only through the influence of Ambrose and the stories of monastic dedication that Augustine began to see the possibility of a life devoted to God. The pivotal moment came when he heard a child's voice urging him to "take up and read," leading him to a passage in the Bible that spoke directly to his struggles. This encounter with Scripture was the catalyst for his conversion, freeing him from the chains of lust and leading him to embrace a life of celibacy and devotion to God.

Augustine's story is a powerful reminder of the relentless pursuit of God and the transformative power of grace. His life illustrates the journey from intellectual curiosity to a deep, personal relationship with God, marked by a profound enjoyment of His presence.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Persistent Prayer: Monica's unwavering prayers for Augustine demonstrate the profound impact of intercessory prayer. Her faithfulness, despite Augustine's waywardness, serves as a reminder that God hears and responds to the prayers of His people, often in ways that surpass our understanding. [01:30]
2. The Journey from Lust to Grace: Augustine's struggle with lust highlights the human condition's battle with sin. His eventual liberation through Christ underscores the transformative power of grace, which can break the strongest chains and lead us to true freedom in God. [21:07]
3. Intellectual Pursuit and Spiritual Awakening: Augustine's encounter with Cicero's "Hortensius" and the Platonists illustrates how intellectual pursuits can serve as a stepping stone to spiritual awakening. God can use our quest for knowledge to draw us closer to Him, transforming our understanding and desires. [06:14]
4. The Role of Godly Influence: Ambrose's influence on Augustine underscores the importance of godly mentors in our spiritual journey. Through Ambrose's preaching, Augustine was introduced to the richness of God's truth, which played a crucial role in his conversion. [11:46]
5. The Struggle for True Enjoyment: Augustine's realization that true enjoyment is found in God alone challenges us to examine our own pursuits. His journey teaches us that the fleeting pleasures of this world pale in comparison to the lasting joy found in a relationship with God. [16:00]
** [16:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Augustine's Early Life
[00:58] - Education and Family Influence
[02:42] - The Cauldron of Lust
[03:18] - The Hunger for God
[04:26] - Augustine's Teaching Career
[05:37] - The First Conversion
[06:35] - The Quest for Wisdom
[07:34] - Pagan Conversions
[08:24] - Move to Milan
[09:15] - The Influence of Platonism
[10:31] - Ambrose's Impact
[11:46] - The Turning Point
[15:21] - The Struggle with Lust
[20:01] - The Day of Conversion
[21:30] - Conclusion and Resources

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

Romans 13:13-14 (NIV): "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh."
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NIV): "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."
James 5:16 (NIV): "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."

Observation Questions

What role did Monica's prayers play in Augustine's journey to faith, according to the sermon? [01:30]
How did Augustine's encounter with Cicero's "Hortensius" influence his spiritual journey? [06:14]
What was the significance of Ambrose's influence on Augustine's conversion? [11:46]
Describe the pivotal moment that led to Augustine's conversion. What was the catalyst for this change? [20:01]

Interpretation Questions

How does Augustine's struggle with lust reflect the broader human condition and the battle with sin? [17:11]
In what ways did intellectual pursuits serve as a stepping stone to Augustine's spiritual awakening? [07:34]
How did Augustine's understanding of God evolve from a philosophical concept to a personal relationship? [10:31]
What does Augustine's story suggest about the power of grace in transforming a person's life? [21:07]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when persistent prayer played a significant role in your life or the life of someone you know. How did it impact the situation? [01:30]
Augustine struggled with lust before finding freedom in Christ. Are there areas in your life where you feel similarly bound? What steps can you take to seek liberation through grace? [17:11]
Augustine's journey was marked by a quest for wisdom. How can you pursue intellectual growth in a way that draws you closer to God? [06:14]
Consider the influence of mentors in your spiritual journey. Who has been a godly influence in your life, and how can you seek or provide mentorship in your community? [11:46]
Augustine realized that true enjoyment is found in God alone. What worldly pursuits might be distracting you from experiencing the fullness of joy in a relationship with God? [16:00]
How can you incorporate the practice of confession and prayer into your daily life to experience healing and growth? [21:07]
Augustine's conversion was a process rather than a single moment. How does this perspective encourage you in your own spiritual journey, especially during times of struggle or doubt? [05:37]

Sermon Clips

oh Lord my helper and my redeemer I shall now tell and confess to the glory of your name how you released me from the Fetters of lust which held me so tightly Shackled and from my slavery to the things of this world those are the words of Augustine as he recounts his journey from lust to Grace [00:00:00]

his mother Monica is very famous because of her Relentless prayer for her lecherous son and I'm not sure that she did the best job she should rearing him he said As I Grew to manhood I was inflamed with desire for a serpent of Hell's pleasures my family made no effort to save me from my Fall by marriage [00:01:30]

my real need was for you my God who are the food of the soul I was not aware of this hunger I was willing to steal and steal I did although I was not compelled by any lack I was at the top of the school of rhetoric I was pleased with my Superior status and swollen with conceit [00:03:10]

in Carthage when he was 19 years old he read for the first time Cicero specifically the hortensius and this had an effect on him which was a kind of first conversion since there was a total Pagan there's no Christ in it but he says it altered my Outlook on life it changed my prayers To You O Lord and provided me with new hopes and aspirations [00:05:51]

I had my back to the light and my face was turned toward the things which it illumined remember the the story of the cave in Plato so that my eyes by which I saw the things which stood in the light were themselves in the dark this is a platonic analysis of his lost condition at that moment [00:10:37]

Ambrose was 14 years older than Augustine and preached Sunday after Sunday and he began to go committed him to nothing it was a thing to do the aristocracy in Milan were all Christian his mother had arrived on the scene and was trying to finagle a marriage for him so he'd get out of this concave manage with this woman who was below him in social class [00:11:15]

in Milan I found your devoted servant the bishop Ambrose at that time his gifted tongue never tired of dispensing the richness of your corn the joy of your oil and the sober intoxication now let me just stop there this man is brilliant the sober intoxication you just fly over things like that way too fast [00:11:48]

I was all ears to seize upon his eloquence I also began to sense the truth of what he said though only gradually I thrilled with love and Dread alike I realized that I was far away from you and far off I heard your voice saying I am the god who is I heard your voice as we hear voices that speak to our hearts and at once I had no cause to doubt [00:14:34]

I was astonished he says that although I now loved you I did not persist in the enjoyment of my God your beauty drew me to you but soon I was dragged away from you by my own weight and dismay I with dismay I plunged again into the things of this world as though I had sensed the fragrance of the fair but was not able to eat it [00:15:31]

I was still held firm in the bonds of a woman's love I began to search for a means of gaining the strength I needed to enjoy you see the you see the issue is shaping for us sex enjoyment or you enjoyment that's the issue for Augustine but I could not find this means until I embraced the mediator between God and man Jesus Christ [00:17:18]

the day came let's go to the day this is the day that everybody knows about and this day is more complex too than I thought it was but I don't have time for that complexity what happened in the morning determine what happened in the afternoon and all we know about is what happened in the afternoon but in a nutshell in the morning there was a visitor who told the story about Anthony a monk in Egypt [00:19:46]

oh Lord my helper and my redeemer I shall now tell and confess to the glory of your name how you released me from the Fetters of lust which held me so tightly Shackled and from my slavery to the things of this world [00:21:03]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?

Augustine: From Lust to Divine Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Persistent Prayer

Day 2: The Journey from Lust to Grace

Day 3: Intellectual Pursuit and Spiritual Awakening

Day 4: The Role of Godly Influence

Day 5: The Struggle for True Enjoyment

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Augustine: From Lust to Divine Transformation

Share