Pilgrim’s Progress Study and Application Questions

Community Baptist Church Ladies’ Study, September 8, 2015

Introduction and Chapters 1-4, pg. 9-21

1.       Read Hebrews 11:8-10.  Consider and record what God required of Abraham, what He promised him, and what it took for Abraham to get there.  What parallels can be drawn to your own pilgrimage?  Seek to be thorough in your musings and answers.

2.      The main character in Pilgrim’s Progress lives in the City of Destruction. 

“The City of Destruction!  We are all inhabitants of it; no man needs ask, Where is it? What is it? Who are its people?  Alas! Our world of sin is the City of Destruction, and we know of a certainty from God’s Word that it is to be burned up, and that if we do not escape from it, though we may die at peace in it before its conflagration, yet to be found with its spirit in our souls when we die, is to be forever miserable” (Lectures on Pilgrim’s Progress, by George Cheever)

What is the ‘spirit of the world’, which if found in our spirits upon death, will bring us eternal misery?  Again, seek to be specific and thorough.

3.      The book in Christian’s hand played a key role in his journey.  Look up the following verses and record the significance of God’s Word.  Deut. 4:8-9; Ps. 1:1-2; 119:105; John 17:17; 2 Tim. 3:16-17.  Consider your own ‘successes’ and ‘failures’ in your journey.  How much can be attributed directly to the guidance of God’s Word or the lack thereof?

4.      Write a physical description of the pilgrim in the opening scene (2nd paragraph on pg. 9).  How is this representative of his inward condition?  Be specific.

5.      On pg. 10, we read of the reaction/response of the pilgrim’s family as he shared with them what was going on in his soul.  What was their response?  Can you relate to his experience?  Find Scripture that may provide instruction and encouragement.  Record them along with your thoughts.

6.      Look up Luke 14:26.  What is Christ requiring of his followers?  Does he require a physical separation?  Is this what John Bunyan is suggesting?  Explain.

7.      When Evangelist pointed the pilgrim to the Wicket-Gate, he could not see it and so was directed to keep the light before him to show him the way.  What does the light and the Wicket-Gate represent?  Use the Scriptures given for help.

8.      Define “obstinate” and “pliable”.

9.      In what ways did Pliable live up to his name?  List the character traits that he demonstrated.

10.  Though early in his journey, Christian was convinced through reading ‘the book’ of several life and death truths that propelled him towards the Wicket-Gate.  List at least two of these truths found on pg 13-14 along with supporting Scripture.

11.   How were these truths confirmed? 

12.   List the characteristics of the Celestial City that Christian shares on pg. 16-17.  Look up each Scripture reference.

13.   What does the Slough of Despond represent?

14.  List at least 2 essential differences between Pliable and Christian.

15.  What are the “steps across the mire”?

16.  Look up 2 Peter 1:4.  According to this verse, from what can we escape by way of exceeding great and precious promises?

17.  What reason did Help give for the “badness” of the ground (pg. 20)?

18.   Note and record the differences in the reactions/responses of Pliable and Christian to the Slough of Despond experience.

19.   Consider your experience on the journey thus far.  Have you had a “slough” experience?  If so, what “Help” did God send?  If you are currently in the “Slough of Despond”, wherein lies your hope of deliverance?  In both instances, see Scripture references given and record your thoughts.