Lesson 9 completed Hopeful Tells of His Conversion

Hopeful Tells of His Conversion (Chapter 18)

The pilgrims then come to the enchanted ground, and here they are inclined “to grow drowsy in soul,” for upon these grounds all things go easily, smoothly and well.  Determined not to fall asleep, they manage their fellowship well and engage in a lively conversation.

1)      Christian and Hopeful come to the enchanted ground.  By the enchanted ground Bunyan is illustrating those periods in the Christian life when there is ease and little difficulty.  There are no financial problems, good health is enjoyed, and there are harmonious relationships with friends and family.  There are no major problems or afflictions.  Hopeful wants to lie down and nap.  Why will Christian not let him sleep?

2)      What do you think happens when Christians sleep on the enchanted ground?

3)      We learn to prize the company of good Christian friends as we consider the story of Christian and Hopeful in the enchanted ground.  How does Christian suggest that they prevent drowsiness?  Do you have someone in your life that will challenge you this way?

4)      As Hopeful shares his testimony, several valuable insights are shared.  What brought conviction of sin to him?

5)      When he endeavored to mend his life by good works, why did Trouble come tumbling upon him again?

6)      What caused Hopeful to believe Faithful’s statement that the needed to “obtain the Righteousness of a man that never had sinned”?

7)      What was Hopeful instructed to say when he went before the Mercy Seat?

8)      There are several key phrases in this prayer that make it theologically correct.  What are they?

9)      Do you see any difference between the typical way one is helped to receive Christ today and Hopeful’s conversion experience?

10)   How did Hopeful answer his own question, “but Lord, what is Believing?”

11)   What effect did the revelation of Christ to Hopeful’s soul have upon his spirit?

Pilgrims are liable to become weary with the struggle towards the end of their journey, and this is why the enchanted ground is placed so near to the borders of the Celestial City.  Sleep is good for the physical body, but for the soul it can be deadly. 

How are we to be kept from this slumber (I.E., lukewarm formality in worship, spiritual coldness in prayer and Bible reading and hearts shut to a vivid view of spiritual realities)?  Pray to God that it may be as it was with Christian and Hopeful, who “managed well” by fellowship rather than by affliction and persecution.  Certainly troubles make us watchful, and a distressed soul does not sleep, but all would agree that lively conversation about the ways of the Lord is much to be preferred.

Note that Hopeful had reformation but his actions were not enough to save him.  He needed a work of the Holy Spirit and to be justified by faith alone.

My application this week is to connect with an accountability partner.  To share your struggles with them and pray for each other to fight against the enchanted ground that we walk every day.

The Pilgrims Meet the Flatterers

The Pilgrims Meet the Flatterers (Chapter 17)

Next our pilgrims meet the Flaterer.  We observe that not only gospel hypocrites but also real disciples are sometimes led astray by delusions not examined in the light of Scripture, leading to self-righteousness and spiritual pride.  Graciously rescued from the net of their error, Christian and Hopeful are disciplined and go softly along the right way singing.  A man with his back towards Zion comes up to them.  This so-called seeker of twenty years proves to be another enemy of the cross.

1.       The Pilgrims came to an intersection where they meet a dark skinned man in a light colored robe who said he was on his way to the Celestial City and they should follow him.  How is this man like 2nd Corinthians 11:13-15 “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.  Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.”

2.       How could the Pilgrims have avoided the net?

3.       Who rescues Christian and Hopeful and how? The Shining One, but who does this represent?

4.       What means did he use to correct and caution them?

5.       Next the pilgrims meet “a man with his back toward Zion.”  What is his name, what advice does he give to Christian and Hopeful, and why does he give it?

6.       I did not really appreciate the way in which Christian tests Hopeful on what Atheist said.

After dealing quite triumphantly, in their opinion, with Little-Faith, haughty Christian and Hopeful continue on their way.  This attitude of superiority to weak Christians quickly leads to a bad situation for both of them.  Their high-mindedness causes them to lean to their own knowledge and choose a way that seems to lie as straight as the way by which they should go.  This choice is made without consulting Scripture and without prayer.  The black figure clothed in white is the white devil of self-righteousness and is more dangerous than the black devil of open  sin.  We see that by small degrees the pilgrims’ faces are turned away from Christ and the correct path and that they are soon entangled in the net of their own prideful error.

A shining one then comes to their rescue.  This shining one is meant to represent the Holy Spirit who is the leader and guide for all believers.

When tempted to disbelief, we should do as Christian and Hopeful do; remember past visions of Mount Zion (lean on past experiences of God’s deliverance) and remember corrections for past mistakes.