This is part of the worship series,
"On Our Way to the Celestial City"
Series Introduction
Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3
Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6
WEEK 3
Christian is Armed for Spiritual Battle
Call to Worship:
Psalm 46:10–11
Scripture:
Ephesians 6:10–18
Sermon:
"The Armor of God"
Affirmation of Faith:
Our World Belongs to God stanza 37
Song Suggestions
"Christian, Do You Struggle"Crete
"Stand Up, Stand Up, for Jesus"Duffield
"The Battle Belongs to the Lord"Owens-Collins
"Lead On, O King Eternal"Shurtleff
"Seek Ye First"Lafferty
"Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing"Robinson
Drama
| Narrator: |
The past few weeks we have followed Christian from his departure from the City of Destruction through the Narrow Gate and down the path that leads to the Celestial City. Farly on in his journey Christian was relieved of his tremendous burden at the cross and was given new clothes and a scroll to guide him on the journey. Along the way Christian met Timorous and Mistrust, who urged him to turn back for fear of the ferocious lions ahead. But Christian could not be swayed. He hurried ahead to the Palace Beautiful in hopes of finding lodging there before nightfall. When he was so close to the palace that he could see the open doors, he suddenly found himself between two lions. They sprang at him with jaws open wide, claws fully extended, and ears laid flat. Christian was terrified and started back. Suddenly the moonlight filled the night and made the path glow. Christian heard the gatekeeper's voice. |
| Watchful: | Why are you so cowardly? Don't be afraid of the lions. They are chained and placed there to test your faith. Walk in the center of the path, and nothing will harm you. |
| Narrator: | Cautiously Christian approached as the lions roared and sprang at him. |
| Watchful: | [Walks towards Christian and helps him proceed into the palace] |
| Narrator: | Inside, Watchful introduced him to Discretion, a tall, dignified lady who listened intently to his purpose and the events of his journey. Then she introduced him to her three sisters, Prudence, Charity, and Piety. Together they enjoyed a delicious meal and talked long into the night about the Owner of the Palace Beautiful. |
| Christian: | I met him at the cross, and my burdens fell off. It was wonderful. I felt so relieved and at peace! What can you tell me about him? |
| Discretion: | He's a great warrior. He fought the dragon who holds the power of death and defeated him. |
| Prudence: | Yes, but this made the dragon very angry, and he has sent all his forces out to fight those who serve him. |
| Charity: | You, Christian, must be prepared at all times to defend yourself against his forces. |
| Piety: | The road can be very hard sometimes, but it's well worth the walk. |
| Discretion: | Come, it's getting late. Let us rest. |
| Narrator: | That night Christian slept in a chamber called Peace, and he slept more soundly than he had any night since he was a child. Little did he know what lay ahead. The next morning Christian met the sisters in the armory of the palace. |
| Prudence: | This breastplate is to protect you against the one who wields death. [Staps it on Christian] |
| Piety: | May you be strong in the battles before you with this helmet and these leg guards. [Puts them on Christian] |
| Narrator: | Charity gave him a broadsword, and Discretion brought a great round shield. |
| Discretion: | [Quietly] To avert the darts of the wicked one. |
| Narrator: |
Christian was eager to set out on his journey again, having been refreshed at the Palace. With the armor in place, he made his way along the path into the Valley of Humiliation. He had not traveled far when suddenly a terrible creature blocked his path. His name was Apollyon. [Apollyon appears] His body was covered with scales like a fish. He had wings like a dragon and feet like a bear. He breathed fire and smoke. Christian was terrified and began to back away. But then he remembered the armor he was wearing and advanced to meet the creature. |
| Christian: | Monster, I come from the City of Destruction, and I'm on my way to the Celestial City, Stand back! |
| Apollyon: | I own the City of Destruction, so you are my subject. You will serve me! |
| Christian: | I was born into your kingdom and into your hard service, but now I am pledged to Emmanuel. I am his servant and will follow him. |
| Narrator: |
These words angered Apollyon. In a rage, he threw fiery darts at Christian's chest, but the shield protected him. Christian quickly drew out the Sword of the Spirit and attacked. They struggled back and forth for half a day without either gaining ground. Christian's head and feet were wounded, and he could resist no longer. He fell to the ground. Apollyon flew into the air and came down with claws outstretched. But at that moment, Christian reached out and caught his sword. He thrust it deep into the monster. |
| Christian: | [Boldly] We are more than conquerors through him who loves us! |
| Narrator: | The monster jolted back and lunged away into the darkness in defeat. Christian used the leaves of the nearby Tree of Life to heal his wounds. He rested there for the night. The armor that had gleamed so brilliantly at the Palace Beautiful was now dented and stained. But Christian looked bigger, bolder, and more certain. His strides were longer and his head higher as he continued his way along the path. He was a man of intent. |
