Series: The Pilgrim’s Progress Sermon: The Difficulties (ch5-6) Speaker: Andrew Tate Scripture: Various

John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” WALKING WITH FAITHFUL •Christian’s walk wtih Faithful divided into 2 parts: 1) They share their stories and testify to one another.

2) They are joined by Talkative.



ENTERING VANITY FAIR •Evangelist



•Vanity Fair

•Christian & Faithful stood out: 1. Their dress was different 2. Their speech was different 3. Their interests were different

Vanity Fair: represents the snare of worldliness/temptation.

QUOTE: Worldliness: "Everything in a culture that makes sin look normal and righteousness look odd.” -David Wells Hebrews 11:13-16 ESV 13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. QUOTE: “Bunyan does a tremendous job of capturing the inherent bent of unbelievers to be intolerant of Christians and to find ways to persecute them because they do not share the values and lifestyle of an unbelieving world. In working out the implications of this hostility toward Christians, Bunyan in effect conducts his analysis largely by the names of the characters who afflict Christian and Faithful—names such as Envy and Carnal Delight and Live-loose. Naturally those values and behaviors are in conflict with those who live the Christian life.” -Leland Ryken HOW DO WE LIVE IN LIGHT OF THIS? •As a disciple, do you talk the talk and walk the walk? Matthew 7:21 ESV “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Matthew 13:23 ESV As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”

•As a disciple, do you stand out more than you fit in? James 4:4 ESV You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 1 John 2:15-17 ESV 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. QUOTE: ”My longing is that the churches may be more holy… Many wander, and try to be members of the Church, and citizens of the world too. We have among us avowed lovers of Christ, who act too much like ‘lovers of pleasure.’ An unholy Church! it is useless to the world, and of no esteem among men.” -Charles Spurgeon (Pictures from Pilgrim’s Progress)

•As a disciple, are you prepared to lose your life for Christ? Matthew 16:24 ESV Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. James 1:12 ESV Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.