Lesson 7 Hopeful Joins Christian

The Pilgrims and the Deceitfulness of Riches (Chapter 13) and The Pilgrims Deal with Giant Despair (Chapter 14)

After leaving Vanity Fair, Christian is given another excellent companion in Hopeful.  As they strike up a conversation with By-ends, they are exposed to his fatal and soul – deceiving error of being double-minded in all his ways.  Christian and Hopeful withdraw from By-ends when they perceive his condition.  By-ends then finds three new companions with whom he makes an agreeable friendship.  They attempt to unite the love of money with the love of Christ.  Though God graciously preserves Christian and Hopeful as they pass by Demas and the hill Lucre, the two pilgrims trust their own wisdom (make a sinful choice_ and fall into the hands of the giant named Despair.

1.       After leaving Vanity Fair, Hopeful and Christian meet By-ends.  How would you describe this character?

2.       By-ends tries to go two ways at once.  He has two goals: to be religious and to hold on to the world at the same time.  Why is this impossible (Luke 16:13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon)

3.       How does By-ends describe Christian and Hopeful to his new friends?

“but the men ahead of us are so rigid and love their own notions so much, and so lightly esteem the opinions of others, that although a man be extremely godly, yet if he doesn’t agree with them in all things, they thrust him quite out of their company.”

4.       By-ends suggests this question: If a preacher or layman has a chance to gain an advantage by appearing more zealous in some points of religion than he has previously been, can he not do so and still be honest?  What are the 4 reasons he gives in the affirmative?

a.       Desire of a higher salary is lawful.

b.      The desire for that salary makes him more studious, a more zealous preacher.  It makes him improve himself which is according to the mind of God

c.       Compromising principles in order to serve shows self-denial, an influential demeanor and that he is more fit for the ministry.

d.      He is not covetous for seeking advancement, but He pursues his calling and the opportunity to put his hand into doing good.

Christians response:  If it’s unlawful to follow Christ to obtain loaves, as shown in John six, how much more abominable is it to make of Him and religion a stalkinghorse7 to get and enjoy the world? Nor do we find anyone but heathen, hypocrites, devils, and sorcerers who hold this opinion.

He then goes on to describe each of the types with examples from scripture.

He concludes with this:

“don’t think this simply a fabrication of my own mind that a man who becomes religious for the purpose of gaining the world will be just as willing to throw away religion to obtain it. As surely as Judas had designs on the world in becoming religious, he just as surely sold religion and his Master for the same thing. To answer the question in the affirmative, therefore, as I perceive you have done, and to accept such an answer as correct, is irreligious, hypocritical, and devilish. Your reward will be according to your works.”

5.       What does Demas invite them to do, and why does Christian refuse?  Have you ever accepted Demas’s invitation?

6.       After a pleasant interlude by the river of God, Christian and Hopeful set out on their pilgrimage again.  The river and the Way part.  Why do they wish for a better way?

The path away from the river was rough, and their feet were tender because of their travels, so they grew impatient on the way. As they continued on, therefore, they wished for a better road.

7.       How do Christian and Hopeful illustrate Proverbs 14:12?  “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death”

8.       When we are tempted to sin, as Christian and Hopeful are in stepping out of the Way, Satan says: “Go ahead and sin.  God loves you, and repentance is an easy thing.”  However, once we have sinned, Satan’s tune changes and he says, “What a miserable sinner you are.  Repentance is impossible.  God will never forgive you.”  How do Doubting Castle and the giant Despair illustrate the truth of the above statements?

9.       Why is it that we seldom read about such despair over sin in our own day?

Lesson 7 Summary

Before we judge Mr. By-any-ends let’s look at how we might be called by that name.  How deep down in our hearts can those ulterior motives hide!  Until we learn to serve Christ and love him because “he is altogether lovely” and not only for the benefits we receive from Him, we have some of By-ends in ourselves. 

When believers have full proof that someone’s profession of faith is false, they must reprove such a person and then, if this has no effect, withdraw themselves from that person. 

The Doubting castle part of Pilgrim’s Progress shows us the depth of misery into which sin may plunge the Christian and also the depth to which the mercy of God in Christ may reach.  Though despair is not good, it is infinitely better than indifference to sin.  When believers turn to prayer in Doubting Castle, deliverance is close at hand.  Though the pilgrims had sinned greatly in leaning to their own understanding, God had graciously taught them some valuable lessons from this bitter experience.  They had learned never to depart from God’s Way and anything that he desired them to go through, to value the light of God’s countenance and to distrust themselves more thoroughly.

In conclusion I would like each of you to consider the brotherly covenant that Christian and Hopeful enter into and seek the same for yourselves.  What details were involved in this covenant?  We see that the two agreed to have one goal – the advancement of God’s Kingdom and his glory.  We see that godly advice was exchanged between them and that they stirred up one another’s affections as they talked about the God they adored.  They spent time together in Prayer.  They agreed to confront each other with the sin they perceived in each other’s lives – a very much neglected act in Christian fellowships today.

Lesson 6 The Pilgrims Suffer at the Vanity Fair

Lesson 6

The Pilgrims Suffer at the Vanity Fair (12)

Evangelist warned the pilgrims of a difficult time to come in Vanity Fair.  Christian and Faithful are easily identified as different at the Fair and are persecuted for their pursuit of Truth.  They are put on trial by the ungodly men of Vanity Fair and a verdict is rendered against Faithful.

1.       Bunyan describes the merchandise sold at this fair by listing many items.  What are some of these items, and what types of sins do they represent?

2.       How are Christians today caught up in these same types of sin?

3.       Explain the meaning of this sentence: “But as in other fairs, some one commodity is as the chief of all the fair, so the ware of Rome and her merchandize is greatly promoted in this Fair: Only our English nation, with some others, have taken a dislike thereat.”

4.       Has there ever been an incident in your life like Christian and Faithful’s experience when the people of Vanity Fair “took them and beat them and besmeared them with dirt and then put them into a Cage, that they might be made a Spectacle to all the men of the Fair”?

5.       (Whyte, First Series Bunyan Characters p195) “If you lay your ear close enough to your own heart, you will sometimes hear something of that same hiss with which that human serpent sentenced to torture to death the men and women who would not submit to his command.  The same savage laughter also will sometimes all but escape your lips as you think of how your enemy has been made to suffer… the very same hell-broth … is in all our hearts also”.  Are there any areas of your own heart that resemble the character of Judge Hate-Good?

6.       After reading the names of the jurors, what did you think the verdict would be for Faithful?  Have you ever acted like any of the jurors?  Which one (or ones) and how?

7.       Were there any parts, themes, or people in this section that you did not understand? 

Lesson 6 Summary

The view we have had thus far of our pilgrim’s journey in this allegory has centered on the secret internal spiritual conflicts of the soul.  We now enter Vanity Fair, which represents the various external conflicts a Christian must face.  The seductive allurements of this world are presented in a tangible, visible form, and we see how real pilgrims conduct themselves among the various temptations of this fair.

“So the ware of Rome and her merchandise is greatly promoted in the fair” is a reference to the doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church.  Remembering how recent the Reformation was in our author’s time will help us to understand this statement.  He declares that the merchandise (doctrine) of this church is “greatly promoted in this fair.”  And what a proud, unscriptural doctrine it is that barters with God and presumes to purchase entrance into heaven by good works and obedience, thus meriting heaven and justification and so exalting man and debasing the gracious work, glory, and honor of Christ.  How sad is it that these wares of Rome are still being sold!

Those who have nothing in their lives to distinguish them from the rest of the world have no reason to conclude that they are new creatures in Christ.

Christian and Faithful cause the town to be in a hubbub, for they are clothed in different rainment (Christ’s robes of righteousness), their speech is the language of Canaan (spiritual conversation), and they are unimpressed by the wares of the fair.

Christian and Faithful are dragged off by the men of Vanity Fair, who are astonished and indignant at the disinterest the pilgrims show to worldly things.  As the two are examined and declare their principles, the rage of the men of the fair is only increased and Christian and Faithful are beaten and then placed in a cage.  Though beaten and despised, they do not lose heart, for their attitude is that which Luther had when he said: “Joy in the Lord is more injurious to Satan’s empire than anything.  Come, let us sing a psalm and spite the devil”

After a time, Christian and Faithful are brought forth to stand trial.  Bunyan no doubt was well acquainted with such trials from his own life and times.  The indictment was as follows: “That they were enemies to, and disturbers of their trade: that they had made commotions and divisions in the town, and had won a party to their own most dangerous opinions, in contempt of the law of their prince.”  Could such an indictment be brought against you?

Judge Hate-Good’s court illustrates that the more godly Christians are, the more they will be hated for it.

Judge Hate-Good instructs the jury regarding cases of the past and the anti-Christian precedents they  have set.  From the names of the jurors, it is easy to guess the verdict.  May we also be convicted of the same crimes as those Faithful committed and receive a verdict such as is worthy of true pilgrims.

Faithful’s ordeal was not in vain, for “the martyrdom of Faithful had kindled a light in Vanity Fair that would not easily be put out, and many there were  that by his example would themselves, as Hopeful did, become pilgrims. 

Faithful’s sure, eternal reward awaits him as a chariot whisks him off to the Celestial Gate  to meet the king under whose banner he has so valiantly served.

Lesson 5

Two Pilgrims Meet (10)

Pilgrim catches up to Faithful.  Faithful begins telling the story of his journey up to that point.  He describes how Pliable is worse off than ever, how Faithful missed the swamp but was challenged by Wanton.  He described his run-in with Adam the first from the town of Deceit who offered to marry him to his daughters “Lust of the Flesh, Lust of the Eyes and Pride of Life”.  He spoke of being overtaken on the Hill of Difficulty by Moses who struck him with deadly blows until Jesus made him stop.  He passed the House Beautiful and met with Discontent and then Shame in the Valley of Humiliation.

1.       When Faithful met Adam the first who tried to persuade Faithful to go home with him.  What would have happened if Faithful had accepted the invitation?

2.       What was the warning written on the old man’s forehead, and what are the implications of this warning for us?

3.       On the hill of Difficulty Faithful meets Moses.  What does he represent and why does he strike Faithful down?

4.       In the Valley of Humiliation Faithful meets Discontent who tries to persuade him to go back and avoid the valley.  His argument is that it is without honor and that he would make a fool of himself to wade into the valley.  Have you ever had a conversation with Discontent?  What was your reply to him?

5.       Next Faithful is attacked by Shame.  What are some of the objections Shame brings against religion?  There is no stronger proof of our fallen, sinful condition than the fact that we are prone to be ashamed of the things of God.  Has this ever been true in your life?

6.       Is Christian violating Titus 3:2 when he tells Faithful about Talkatives’ true nature? 

Titus 3:2 to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men.”

7.       How does Faithful turn the conversation with Talkative and make him uncomfortable?  How does Faithful say a work of grace in the soul is discovered?

The Pilgrims Meet Talkative (11)

The two Pilgrims meet a man named Talkative.  Faithful is quite taken with him, but when he drops back to talk to Christian he is warned that this man will deceive him.  He is warned about his character and Faithful starts up a conversation with Talkative with the intention of asking if there is evidence of the Power of God in his life.  Talkative feels trapped and soon loses interest in talking to them.  Finally the meet up with Evangelist who gives them a prophecy that one or both of them will seal with blood the testimony they profess in Vanity Fair.

8.       What is the first indication Talkative gives that shows that his heart is unchanged?

9.       What indications does Christian give of Talkative’s true condition?

Lesson 5 Summary

Spurgeon had this to say about Faithful’s run in with Wanton:

The probability is, that the temptations of the flesh, even when resisted, do us an injury.  If the coals do not burn us, they blacken us.  The very thought of evil, and especially of such evil, is sin. 

This just serves as further proof that we need to separate ourselves to such a distance that we do not come near her door.  Buster has a saying “At first we abhor, then we tolerate, then we embrace” when talking about how we become numb to cultural sins.  As Christians we need to be different, we need to protect ourselves and we need to pray that God will continue to plow up the hardened places in our hearts and let him perform his justifying works in us.  For that to happen we need to be honest with our introspections, ask Him to continue to draw us closer to himself and then be willing to make changes when we sense his leadership in our lives. 

Well Wanton and Lust of the Flesh are almost the same personification.  The second daughter is also a blight to men.  Spurgeon had this to say about her:

The eye can scarcely look upon a thing of beauty without desiring it.  We soon become covetous unless the Spirit of God keeps our mind under proper restraint.  “Thou shalt not covet,’ is a commandment which is often broken by us almost unconsciously.  Consequently, we do not repent as we should of our sin against that commandment which touches our thoughts and our desires.  As to the Pride of Life, I am afraid that many Christians trickle to this third daughter of the First Adam by self-indulgence in dress, in expenses, in all sorts of showiness.  Mark you, this Pride of Life, though the most respectable of the three, as people think, is as genuine a daughter of the Old Adam as is the Lust of the Flesh.  I cannot imagine our Lord Jesus Christ dressing Himself so as to attract attention.

Each of us should have a conscience alert enough to realize that self-indulgence is not right for followers of Christ, who gave us the opposite example while here on earth.

Lesson 4 The Pilgrim Goes through valleys

Lesson 4

The Pilgrim Goes Through Valleys (9)

Pilgrim leaves house beautiful and heads down into the Valley of Humiliation where he is assaulted by Apollyon.  He defeats Apollyon and heads into the Valley of the Shadow of Death and meets the two fleeing the valley.  A deep ditch was on the right hand side of the narrow path and a bog was on the left.  The path also became very dark and Christian passed the Mouth of Hell in the middle.  He is severely challenged by the deamons whispering in his ear until he hears another pilgrim and the day breaks.  He is able to get through the rest of the valley’s traps and passes Pope and Pagan without incident.

1.       A foul fiend meets Christian, What is his name? 

In Revelation 9:11, comes after the 7^th seal is broken.  Seven angles begin to sound their trumpets and each causes a plague of some kind.  When the 5^th angel sounds his trumpet, a star falls to earth and opens the abyss.  Apollyon is the king of the locust/scorpion monsters that emerge.  They are given the power to torture all those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads for 5 months.

2.       Apollyon calls Christian one of his subject and tries to sweet talk him into returning to his country.  What did Christian like better about “the prince under whose banner” he now stood?

3.       What were some of the subtle reasoning’s Apollyon used to try to talk Christian out of persevering on the way?  What questions would you add to the list from struggles you have had in your personal walk?

4.       Why was the battle between Christian and his foe so severe?

5.       Christian enters the Valley of the Shadow of Death.  What do you think is the meaning of this valley?

Matthew 15:14 “Leave them; they are blind guides.  If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit”

This verse was in reference to the Pharisees being offended that Jesus criticized them for breaking the command of God for the sake of their traditions. 

6.       What weapon did Christian find useful in the midst of the valley?

Even a thorough knowledge and use of “the Sword”—the Word of God—is not enough to vanquish some enemies of the Cross. This is an instance in his journey when Christian will have to resort to extra and continual prayer. Sometimes in our spiritual battles, prayer is our only solution.

7.       When Christian heard the voice say “Though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me”   What were the three reasons Christian was glad?

Lesson 4 Summary

The takeaway for me this week is what we learn in the valley of the Shadow of Death.  Shall we not look back over the valley in the daylight and realize how sweet are the uses of adversity in God’s hand as they humble us, cause us to earnestly seek Him, and purge us of our sins?  What is strange, though, is that we are not available to learn by reading about the experiences of others in this valley but must be made to believe these truths from our own experience.  The great discipline which we need as pilgrims is mostly the experience of our own weakness, and the art of finding our strength in Christ;  but it is astonishing what severe treatment is oftentimes necessary to teach this, apparently the simplest and most obvious of all lessons, but yet the deepest and most difficult to be learned.