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.