Pilgrim’s Progress Part Four – Meeting Difficulties in the Christian Pathway

Upon that cross of Jesus, Mine eye at times can see The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me; And from my stricken heart, with tears, Two wonders I confess- The wonders of His glorious love, And my own worthlessness. " He hath given me rest by his sorrow, And life by his death." Christian at the Cross

Three Shining Ones GREETINGS: “PEACE BE TO THEE” 1 st “ Thy sins be forgiven thee” (God the Father) 2nd Took his old clothes and gave him new ones (God the Son) 3rd Set a mark on his forehead & gave him a roll with a seal on it to be handed into the Celestial City. (God the Holy Spirit) 3rd Set a mark on his forehead & gave him a roll with a seal on it to be handed into the Celestial City. (God the Holy Spirit)

First Detour - Simple, Sloth and Presumption Simple, Sloth and Presumption Simple said, "I see no danger." Sloth said, "Yet a little more sleep." And Presumption said, "Every vat must stand upon its own bottom."

Formalist and Hypocrisy A Formalist – practices religious forms but does not possess Christ as Saviour. A Hypocrite – deliberately deceives others concerning his profession of religion Both jumped the wall because they wanted a short-cut and neither came through the door! Cf John 10 v 1

Hill of Difficulty Choices Available Choices Available 1.Round the hill via the road of danger. 2.Alternative round- about via the road of destruction 3.Option of meeting difficulty and going over the hill. Routes which were chosen Routes which were chosen 1. True way – leads up the hill 2. False ways lead around the hill and to judgement 3. Grace give to meet the difficulty. (Is. 49;10- 11)

Meeting the Difficulty "This hill, though high, I covet to ascend; The difficulty will not me offend, For I perceive the way to life lies here: Come, pluck up, heart, let's neither faint nor fear! Better, though difficult, the right way to go, Than wrong, though easy, where the end is woe." RUNNING RUNNING GOING GOING CLAMBERING CLAMBERING

the Arbor * Meant only to Refresh the Weary Pilgrim – it was not a place to stay. * Pilgrim – Read his Scroll - Re-examined his Coat -Relaxed and went to sleep -In other – words he felt self-satisfied and did not see his need to press on!! -His delay was to cost him dearly!

Awakened from his sleep Proverbs 6:9 Proverbs 6:9 How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?

Mistrust & Timorous

Regaining the lost scroll Retrace his steps Cost him time Confess his sloth & sin Wept for his sin 1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Hindrances to Progress! Christian though afraid pressed on.

Palace Beautiful Lions were chained Encouragement was given from Porter Faith was victorious Reached the Top of the Hill of Difficulty Providence – God is in control. Work of the Pastor is to watch and encourage Though afraid trust! You can overcome your difficulties also! Providence – God is in control. Work of the Pastor is to watch and encourage Though afraid trust! You can overcome your difficulties also!