Back to School is a time of great excitement, but also a time of great anxiety. For many families, it means having to adjust to a new routine, one that’s often more demanding and stressful than the one they left behind. But it’s also an opportunity. An opportunity to make a fresh start, to learn new things, and to grow up and become your best self. That’s why we’ve put together this list of sermons for kids who are going back to school! These sermons will help you focus on the positive things that can come from starting over—like learning something new or making new friends—and help you find ways to embrace the change instead of fearing it. Back to school is a time of new beginnings. It’s a time to start fresh, make new friends, and get ready for the year ahead. But it can also be a stressful time of year. We all have so much going on—we’re working on new projects at work, we’re trying to get our homes organized before the holidays hit us like a freight train, and we’re just plain busy! So today’s sermon is going to focus on how you can take some of that stress off your plate by making sure you set aside some time each week for self-care.
School’s starting soon, and churches are looking for enriching events for their kids. Would you be interested in attending a sermon at church? I’ve talked to some of your parents and they tell me you’re very smart for your age. I know that can be intimidating when you’re young, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. You see, I wrote a book that you may find interesting: Back To School Sermons For Children. And it’s full of all kinds of tips and tricks that explain how each topic applies to kids just like you! Discussed; Back to School Sermon Outline, Short Sermons for High School Students.
Back To School Sermons For Children
Back to school sermons are used for educational purposes and moral development of children. The educational system does not start only at the time school begins; it starts when children are young. This is why parents should give more importance to preparing their children mentally, educationally and morally to overcome the challenges of school.
Kids are our future! And it’s up to us, their parents and teachers, to make sure they get the right start in life. Even if you’re not a parent or teacher yourself, you recognize the critical role of helping kids feel good about themselves and start off life with confidence. But what can you do? A speech from a famous athlete or politician can sometimes help, but their words may not reach everyone. An inspirational quote from an author or movie character can be effective too, but it may not always hit the mark for all students. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of some of my favorite sermons for back-to-school speeches for children. These inspiring passages will help every young student feel confident about who they are and how much potential they have within them!
Ephesians 6:1-3
“And you, children, be on your guard against idols.'” (1 John 5:21)
“The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.” (Exodus 15:2)
In Ephesians 6:1-3, Paul writes about the armor of God and how it will protect us from evil spirits. He says that we should always wear this armor—when we sleep or wake up; when we’re at home or away from home; when we are in town or in the country—and never take it off. This is because we need protection all the time! The devil doesn’t like us because we were created in God’s image and likeness (Genesis 1:27). So he tries to do bad things to ruin our lives and make us believe lies instead of believing what God has said about us. We can’t fight him off on our own strength; Jesus showed us this by defeating death when He rose from the dead after dying for our sins (Matthew 28:6). This means that if someone does something mean or ugly toward us today what really matters isn’t how much they hurt our feelings but instead whether their actions align with what Jesus said about love being greater than hate (John 15:13).
2 Timothy 1:7
- “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
- “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.”
In this passage, Paul tells Timothy that God has not given us a spirit of fear. As children who have been made new in Christ through baptism and confirmation, we should know that we have nothing to be afraid of as we return to school. We know that no matter how big school may seem or how many people try to bring us down, with God’s help, we can overcome anything!
Romans 8:38-39
We do not have to be afraid. We can run to God with all of our struggles, fears and joys. Even in our failures, he will be there for us.
In this verse, Paul talks about running to God as if it were a race or an athletic event—like we could win some kind of prize by doing so! But I think that’s the best way to view prayer: like a race or game where we are running towards our Creator and keeping him at “first place” in our hearts and minds no matter what else may happen around us.
When you pray this week or when you read this text aloud with your family each morning, ask yourself: “What am I running towards?” If it isn’t toward God then I encourage you to change course!
Ephesians 4:31-32
Paul’s instruction to “be kind to one another” is a good reminder for all of us. It is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity. The Bible says that we should be kind because God has been kind to us, so let’s return that favor by being kind in return.
Be gentle with each other
The next part of Paul’s advice is not only good for relationships, but can help prevent bullying at schools and elsewhere: “Do not let anger control you.” We know from experience that when people are angry, they often say things they regret later and do things they wish they hadn’t done—and this can lead to problems with friends or even family members! Let’s try our best not to let anger control our actions or words; instead, try these helpful tips that might help keep your cool during stressful situations involving others:
- Take deep breaths as needed (inhale through the nose and exhale through mouth) until calm returns before speaking again;
- Remind yourself why you started getting angry in the first place; * If you need more time alone before addressing the issue at hand (e..g., someone stole your lunch in school), then go somewhere private where no one else would overhear what y
We are all perfect just the way we are.
You are perfect just the way you are. God has made you to be just the way you are, and that’s a good thing. I know it doesn’t seem like a good thing when kids make fun of the fact that you wear glasses or that your hair is frizzy or whatever else makes them laugh at their own good fortune. But God wants us all to be happy, and he made us all with our personalities, our talents and skills—even those things we’re not so great at—because he wants us to learn from them and grow stronger every day by loving ourselves in spite of others’ criticism.
Back to School Sermon Outline
Introduction – Tell a story about how you’re feeling as the school year begins. Maybe talk about some of the things you did as a kid during summer vacation and how much fun you had. Then, tell them that you want them to have fun this year too!
Body – Tell them that you understand that they probably don’t feel like having fun because it’s back to school time. But, encourage them to make their first day of school a great day by getting their homework done early so they can spend time with friends or family after school.
Conclusion – Thank them for listening to your sermon and tell them some of the amazing things God has in store for them this year!
Welcome to the beginning of a new school year. I know you have a lot of things on your mind, but I hope that you will take some time to think about God’s Word and what it has to say about life.
I want to talk about a few of the things that I’m thinking about as we begin this new school year.
First, I want to ask you to consider what it means for you to be a Christian high school student. The Bible tells us that God has given us many different gifts and talents (1 Corinthians 12). One of those gifts is the ability to learn and grow in our faith. Your parents and teachers can help you with this, but ultimately it’s up to each one of us as individuals how we use these gifts.
Second, as Christians we’re called to love one another (1 John 4:7-21). But how do we do that? You may find yourself in situations where you feel like some people are treating others wrongfully or unfairly. What should you do in those situations? The best thing you can do is pray for those people who are being treated wrongly and pray for yourself so that God will give you wisdom in knowing how.
Short Sermons for High School Students
by Timothy Keller
Preached at the church I pastor, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, on February 2, 2019.
In 1 Samuel 20:30-31, David says to his friend Jonathan, “The king’s love for you is great; he is your best friend.” But then he adds sadly, “How much more does your servant deserve to be loved by the king” (NIV).
Jonathan had died in battle, and David was now king. He had proven himself by killing Goliath and winning many battles as a soldier in Saul’s army. But he still felt like a failure compared to his beloved friend.
David was a good man who did many good things in his life — but he didn’t feel good enough about himself because he knew there were other people who were better than him. And so even though he had been made king over all Israel, he still wanted to impress Jonathan more than anyone else in the world.
We need to teach children this truth while they are young because they will hear so many other messages throughout their lives telling them otherwise: You’re ugly; You’re fat; You’re stupid; You’ll never amount to anything if … The world we live in can be harsh, but with the power of God, we can overcome anything.
short sermons for high school students
Many parents will experience the first step of sending their child to kindergarten or into high school or off to college. Children may be bubbling with excitement but also with a self consciousness about fitting in and being liked. Families will be attending to new schedules with sports and social events pushing into, and in many ways, challenging time together as a family. How do we live well and serve Jesus in spirit and in truth? How do we take every thought captive for our obedience in Christ when we get bombarded with falsehoods in the classroom and among peer groups? Is there a way to navigate down that narrow road that leads to salvation without it opening up to the broader path, where we give into sin and all its guises and disguises that lure us away?
We are teachers and we have a responsibility. We know what James 3:1 says: “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” We became teachers because of God’s calling on our lives. Titus 2:7-8 gives us good instruction. It says, “Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” We are not here to sugarcoat the truth. We are hear to form disciples – people who will go into the world and live out the high calling we have received, to be living sacrifices which is a reasonable service to Jesus who paid it all (Romans 12:1).
The school year is a perfect time to engage in a series of powerful sermons that cut at the heart of the matter: that we’ve been bought with a price and need to live like it. If not, what’s the point? We will certainly falter, but we cannot fall. There is too much at stake and are here, among our neighbors, as God workmanship, created for good works in Christ (Ephesians 2:10). Here are 12 sermon series ideas that are worth considering and expanding for the month of September.
The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
Our ideas for back to school sermons are rightly bookended with the acknowledgement of the war we’re in. If we don’t see it waging all around us – in our attitudes, our desires, our anxieties Paul offers us a clear picture of dedication to Jesus. It’s likely that Paul uses the imagery of a soldier out of familiarity, since he frequently found himself in prison with soldiers on guard.
The schemes of the devil cannot be understated. Our duty is to be strong in the Lord and put on the whole armor he provides: (1) the belts of truth; (2) the breastplate of righteousness; (3) shoes quickened for Gospel work; (4) shield of faith; (5) helmet of salvation; (6) and the sword of the Spirit.
There is nothing light-hearted about the reality of preparing for battle, and so too as we view the opening of everyday, especially those rife with new temptations, distractions and challenges. Paul follows each piece of armor with an identified purpose. The belt of truth allows us to stand firm, the breastplate of righteousness and preparation for readiness, and so on. We need to be firm that Paul says, “take up the whole armor of God.” We don’t pick and choose what we want to wear. It’s our duty to be equipped against any scheme of the devil because there is surety they will come. As in war, we need to always, “keep alert with all perseverance.”
Application: Consider posting Bible verses in the places you frequent – the kitchen, the bathroom mirror, your locker. Consider praying often and out loud, for people who you find especially challenging. I like what C.S. Lewis says about prayer. He says, “I have two lists of names in my prayers, those for whose conversion I pray, and those for whose conversion I give thanks. The little trickle of transferences from List A to List B is a great comfort” (Letters, Volume II). Scripture and prayer both tie us to the dependency in God and less so in our own strength.
The Fiery Furnace (Daniel 3)
Will we stand and not bow down no matter the consequences? Will we have faith that God’s work is bigger than our own? How do we even know where to make a stand and where to stay silent and strive for peace like Hebrews 12:14 says, “Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord”? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew the time had arrived to not submit. It would definitely cause strife for the ruler and it might even result in punishment for the rest of the Israelites, but they couldn’t worship the king as a god. Above it all, they knew their action would likely cost them their lives.
When Nebuchadnezzar sees Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego he is filled with fury and orders the guards to throw them into a fiery furnace. The story is one of heroic faith. They are bound and thrown into a fire so hot that it kills the guards. The next moment would change everything:
“Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, ‘Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?’ They answered and said to the king, ‘True, O king.’ He answered and said, ‘But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.’” (24-25).
God protected Daniel’s friends. They came out of the fire unscathed and the decree of the king completely changed. “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God,” says Nebuchadnezzar. “Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way” (28-29).
Application: We may not ever be in the exact position of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, but we can imagine similar moments where we might make simple stands for the sake of Christ. Perhaps a student is in biology class and is able to share about our Creator God or befriending someone who is lonely at lunch. We can be known as those who keep their temper and not use expletives. When a class gets rowdy, we can be more mature. If we live in such a way that we are respectful of others and attentive to their needs in love, when a more significant occasion comes, our witness will be that much more effective.
Learn from Josiah (2 Kings 22)
Josiah is one of the most important kings over Judah, the remaining southern kingdom of Israel after the 10 tribes in the North were taken into captivity by the Assyrians. The story drives the message home what we hear Paul instructing Timothy in I Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
Josiah came to the throne at age 8 and he was able to do what a series of sinful kings could not. He, “he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and walked in all the way of David his father, and he did not turn aside to the right or to the left.” (2 Kings 22:2). For years, the Temple and the law were lost to their real purpose. Josiah’s childlike faith and unabashed willingness to follow God rekindled the practice of faith in others.
When the Book of the Law is found and read to Josiah, “he tore his clothes.” He knew their ways were offensive to God’s standards. He commands the priests to, “Go, inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that has been found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us” (13).
God had every reason, as he always does, to send wrath and punishment against those who trespassed against his laws. Josiah and all of Judah stood utterly and completely guilty in light of God’s righteousness. But the Lord knows the heart. The Lord says, “Because your heart was penitent, and you humbled yourself before the Lord, when you heard how I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before me, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, and your eyes shall not see all the disaster that I will bring upon this place” (19-20).
Application: Jesus has cleansed us from all unrighteousness because of the cross, because of the resurrection. That doesn’t mean we are free or accountable to his laws. Romans 6:1-2 asks, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” Our obligation is to live in such a way that we tear our garments – the we rend our hearts (Joel 2:13) – as we daily take up our cross and follow Jesus. God’s word is waiting to be read and be rooted in us. Some of our parishioners will realize that, similar to the Israelites in Josiah’s time, God’s word is on their shelf at home, dusty and lost to daily usage. It’s a perfect time to rediscover it.
Being Quiet and Listening (I Samuel 1-3)
Samuel’s story starts with a faith commitment of his mother Hannah. We know the story. She wants a child and prays earnestly to God, promising to dedicate her baby to the service of the Temple. When Samuel is born, she joyously fulfills her pledge when the time comes. She says, “I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. (1:28). All children are gifts from God, created with a plan in mind.
How many parents truly offer up their boys and girls to whatever God wants them to accomplish – for his glory and not their own legacy? Parenting is a difficult road. It means giving up the precious life God gave to us, to him. It’s realizing that our children are lent to us for proper upbringing and dedication to the work of God, and then they are lent back to the Lord. Is this how we think? Is this how we pray? What is our song? Hannah sings in I Samuel 2, not of herself but of the mighty wonders of God –
“My heart exults in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord: for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God….The Lord kills and brings to life; he brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he brings low and he exalts. He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and on them he has set the world” (1-2, 6-8).
When we get to the story of I Samuel 3, we see the faithfulness of Hannah and Eli, the priest, in the reactions of Samuel. When Samuel hears a voice calling him three times, he thinks Eli is needing him. The story suggests no angst or frustration, but rather a patient willingness to serve. When Samuel realizes it’s God who is speaking, his response is obedience, both to Eli and to God: ““Speak, for your servant hears.” God doesn’t have good news for Eli. Judgement is waiting for his family because of the sins of his sons. The next morning, Samuel is afraid to report his conversation with God, but Eli insists. His response is a moment of character building for Eli and Samuel. He simply says, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him” (vs. 18).
Application: There is a lot here. Mothers, are you praying daily for your children? Fathers, are you investing in your sons and daughters? Isn’t it grievous when our children reject the faith? Look at Eli. His sons were rotten. Why? In the end, they decided to go their own way, but you wonder if Eli invested in them the same way as he did Samuel. Let’s imagine he did. If so, and there is rejection, are we done? What do we do next? Perhaps we mentor others and find our need for discipling others in another setting – as Sunday School leaders or somewhere in our community. And young people, what voices are you listening to and who are you seeking council from when one or another voice is swaying your opinions or affections? It is good to seek right council.
Be My Witnesses (Acts 1)
Some of us who have served our country know that the order you follow is the last one assigned. We don’t make up new orders until we hear from our commanding officer. It’s the same with Jesus. Hear the conversation in Acts 1: 6-11 –
“So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.’ And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.’”
Jesus gives his followers explicit instructions. It isn’t to return and live out their days reminiscing about the great miracles they saw and the relationship they experienced with such a fascinating and one-of-a-kind teacher. Jesus doesn’t instruct them to return to their old beliefs about God, content with the possibility of his divinity, but assured in the ancient practices of the Jewish faith and customs. No, he has a simple, radical message – “The Holy Spirit is coming and you will be my witnesses throughout the earth.”
Jesus essentially says the same thing at the end of the Gospels: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” in Matthew 28:19; “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation,” in Mark 16:15; “You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you,” in Luke 24: 48-49; and “This is the disciple who is bearing witness about these things, and who has written these things, and we know that his testimony is true,” in John 21:24, where John applies it personally to the words he wrote.
It’s a call on our lives too. It hasn’t changed. Perhaps we are tempted to refashion it, rebrand it, repackage it in some way, but the call is simple. It involves three things: (1) we are his witnesses; (2) make disciples; (3) go everywhere. If we are his witnesses, we are called to faithfully proclaim his message in words, actions, and intentions. If we are to make disciples, we must be outward focused, in community with others. There is no such things and a navel-gazing Christian, not one who is faithful, that is. And if we are to be his witnesses and make disciples, we must go – go anywhere he asks us to go. We cannot be reluctant.
Application: The start of the school year is a good time to rededicate ourselves to the simple call of Jesus as he leaves the disciples in Acts 1. It’s also a good time to remember that he doesn’t leave us alone or lonely in our work. The Holy Spirit is in us and with us as we live out the high calling we’ve received. Also, the story is not only about our duty, but about the angelical promise. The Scripture says, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Let’s practice our faith and be bold living holy lives. Let’s practice our faith and make disciples through the help of the Holy Spirit. Let’s practice our faith and go far and wide, from neighbor to neighbor, knowing God goes before us and he will make a way