May 24, 2020 • Chris Reighley
Introduction
Every pilgrim needs a companion—and every church must beware the counterfeit.
In Stage Five of The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian overtakes a familiar face: his old neighbor, Faithful. Their joyful reunion sets the stage for one of the most profound conversations in the journey. Faithful opens up about his unique trials—temptations from Madam Wanton, the deceptive Adam the First, the condemning blows of Moses, and the mocking words of Shame. Each test is different from Christian’s—but just as real. And from it, we learn a precious truth: God custom-tailors trials to refine each soul according to its need.
But not all companions are helpful. Christian and Faithful soon meet Talkative—a man who speaks fluently of heaven while living like hell. With dazzling doctrinal vocabulary and zero spiritual substance, Talkative is the portrait of empty religion: “a saint abroad and a devil at home.” Faithful exposes his hypocrisy, and Bunyan masterfully distinguishes between knowing and doing, saying and living, appearance and truth.
This episode is a study in spiritual discernment. It will challenge you to consider the quality of your fellowship, the fruit of your faith, and the power of true religion—not in words, but in life.
“For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.”
— 1 Corinthians 4:20
Episode Outline: The Fifth Stage
Title: “True Fellowship and False Professors”
PART 1: Christian Reunites with Faithful
- Christian races ahead, boasts in progress, and falls—humbled by pride.
- Faithful lifts him up in grace.
- They walk together, contrasting their experiences:
- Christian faced despair and terror.
- Faithful faced lust, flattery, shame, and false religion.
- Application: Every pilgrim’s path is uniquely shaped by God. No two journeys are alike.
PART 2: Faithful’s Temptations Along the Way
- Madam Wanton (Lust): Tried to seduce him with flattery and pleasure.
- Adam the First: Tempted him to live in Deceit, offering his daughters: Lust of the Flesh, Eyes, and Pride of Life.
- Moses: Struck him down for entertaining fleshly desire. Christ intervened and saved him.
- Discontent & Shame:
- Discontent mocked humility.
- Shame ridiculed religion as weak, unpopular, and foolish.
- Faithful resisted both with Scripture and conviction.
- Application: Temptation comes in many forms—but all aim to distract from the cross and derail the pilgrim.
PART 3: The Encounter with Talkative
- A smooth speaker, full of doctrine but empty of transformation.
- Faithful is impressed at first—Christian warns him.
- Christian unmasks Talkative:
- A master of words but void of godliness.
- A hypocrite in public, cruel at home, dishonest in business.
- A stumbling block to true believers and a shame to the faith.
- Application: Sound doctrine without holy living is damning. Talkers without heart-work are dangerous companions.
PART 4: Faithful Tests and Rebukes Talkative
- Questions Talkative about grace in the heart.
- Exposes his false answers—external knowledge without inward transformation.
- Presses him with boldness and Scripture.
- Talkative, unwilling to be examined, leaves offended.
- Application: True pilgrims must learn to discern false professors—and speak the truth in love, even when it divides.
PART 5: Christian Commends Faithful’s Boldness
- Faithful reflects: “If he perishes, I am innocent of his blood.”
- Christian affirms the need for courageous, heart-centered truth-telling.
- Application: Confronting sin—especially religious hypocrisy—is a loving act.
Key Applications:
- God tailors trials to sanctify each believer – Your path will not mirror another’s.
- Companionship matters – Faithful fellowship strengthens the soul; false professors stain the church.
- Religion is not in talk, but in transformed living – Heart-work always bears fruit.
- Discernment is discipleship – Not every pilgrim is what they appear to be.