Pilgrim's Progress 1

Good morning. Today we begin our study of John Bunyan's classic work, The Pilgrim's Progress. For more information regarding this study click HERE. Also, remember that we are going to discuss the book according to the various stages detailed HERE.

Today we are on the First Stage: Christian's deplorable condition, Evengelist directs him, Obstinate and Pliable, Slough of Despond, Worldly Wiseman, Mount Sinai, Conversation with Evangelist.

Our story begins with Christian, a man with "a book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back." The more he reads his 'book' the more distressed he becomes until he finally exlaims "What shall I do to be saved?" It is amazing to me that as soon as he asks this question he meets Evangelist. To me, the timing is important. It appears that Evangelist is sent in response to Christian's question. Evangelist gives the word, "Fly from the wrath to come." He sends Christian towards the wicket-gate.

I hope you noticed that as Christian fled towards the gate, Bunyan writes that "the man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, Life! Life! Eternal life!" He shut all of the cries from his family and friends to stay behind. He left everything to journey towards the wicket-gate in hopes of being rescued from the terrible burden upon his back. Do you see the parallel between this and many who come to Christ today? They often lose those close them because of their relationship with Jesus Christ.

As Christian sets out, two of his neighbors, Obstinate and Pliable, pursue after him in hopes of convincing him to return home. Obstinate gives up his effort rather quickly. Pliable continues on with Christian until the way gets difficult. Once they reach the difficulty of the Slough of Despond, Pliable abandons his journey and returns home. Later on, this sad tribute is given of Pliable, "Is the celestial glory of so small esteem with him, that he counteth it not worth running the hazards of a few difficulties to obtain it?"

Once he is past the Slough of Despond, Christian meets Mr. Worldly Wiseman who lives in the town of Carnal Policy. Their discussion is very interesting. One highlight is when Worldly Wiseman asks Christian "How camest thou by the burden at first?" Christian replies, "By reading this book in my hand." How true this is of so many of us. Upon reading God's word, our eyes are opened to the total depravity of our souls. We accurately see the great burden that we carry. But, we also are shown the path to freedom from that great burden. Praise God for His Word!

Worldly Wiseman proceeds to give Christian a 'shortcut' to removing his burden. He offers another path, one of ease and convenience. He sends Christian to the town of Morality to visit Legality and Civility. The picture is very vivid. Christian is pointed down the path of doing good works. The interesting thing is that he approaches the hill which contains the town of Morality he fears that the hill will fall on his head. Just a page or two later this hill is called Mount Sinai (which is where the law was given in the OT). Here we see Christian literally feeling the weight of being under the law. No one can do enough good works. Christian experiences this as he approaches Morality.

Fortunately, Evangelist appears again and confronts Christian. He exposes the errors of Worldly Wiseman's doctrine and sets Christian again on the path toward the wicket-gate.

Your Turn
As you can see, there is so much that can be said concerning this book. I have simply given a few of my personal thoughts. Now it is your turn. What jumped out at you as you read these first few pages? There is no wrong answer. I simply invite you to share with us some of your thoughts.

Next Week
We will discuss Stage Two: The Gate, conversation with Good-Will, the Interpreter's House, Christian entertained, the sights there shown him