The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
Week 3: The House of the Interpreter — Seven Visions of the Soul
Read from Christian's arrival at the Interpreter's house (§70) through his departure with the verse "Here I have seen things rare and profitable" (§91). Key Scriptures: Romans 7:6; 1 Corinthians 15:56; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 12:9.
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Before Christian reaches the cross, he is taken into a private room and shown seven pictures — vivid, disturbing, and deeply merciful — that will equip him for everything the road ahead holds.
Discussion Questions
8 questions1.The first picture Christian sees is a man with "eyes lifted up to heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law of truth written upon his lips, the world behind his back" — and a crown of gold over his head. The Interpreter says this is "the only man whom the Lord of the place...hath authorised to be thy guide in all difficult places." Who is this figure, and why does Bunyan place this portrait first? What does it suggest about the authority that should guide a pilgrim's journey?
2.The dusty parlor: the Law sweeps and makes the dust fly so thickly that Christian nearly chokes; the Gospel sprinkles water and the room is cleansed. Bunyan writes that the Law "doth revive, put strength into, and increase" sin rather than removing it. How does this image help you understand Romans 7? Have you experienced the Law making you more aware of sin rather than less guilty of it?
a.What is the difference between the effect of Law and the effect of Gospel on the heart, according to this picture?
b.How does this picture address any tendency in yourself toward moralism — the idea that trying harder is the path to a clean heart?
3.Passion and Patience: Passion insists on having all his good things now; Patience is willing to wait for the next world. Passion gets his bag of treasure, lavishes it all, and is left with rags. The Interpreter explains: "the glory of the next world will never wear out... last gives place to nothing." What in your own life tempts you to be Passion rather than Patience? What "bird in the hand" currently feels more real to you than the promises of God?
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