by Tony Kummer
Use this creative children’s sermon for kids going back to school. It’s based on Proverbs 27:17 and uses pencils as an object lesson.
Supplies: Whether or not it is back to school or class testing time, pencils are always valuable tools for demonstrating principles of Christian living.
Children’s Message for “Back to School”
To emphasize the pencil parables, start by giving each child an unsharpened pencil and piece of paper. Ask them to do something simple, like write their names.
Why doesn’t the pencil work? It has not been sharpened! Well, how can that be fixed? Talk about how we can sharpen a pencil quite easily, whether we use a handheld, hand-cranked, or electric sharpener. Then we can use the pencil in various ways—writing, drawing, filling in bubbles on a test sheet…
Explain that our lives can be sort of like these pencils. God wants to use us in all sorts of wonderful ways to serve Him and His people. But we first must be “sharpened” for His purposes. How does this happen? Well, most importantly, we can sharpen ourselves through the sword of the Bible and the power of prayer…
Scripture focus for this Children’s Sermon
For the word of God is alive and active.Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. -Hebrews 4:12
Do not be anxious about anything,but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6
And sometimes, God uses other people to help sharpen our “points”:
As ironsharpens iron, so one personsharpens another. -Proverbs 27:17
Once we develop our faith and trust in God, He can use us to do remarkable things. It would be silly to sharpen a pencil and set it aside, but when we use it, the purpose of the lead is fulfilled. But invite kids to think again about the pencil… Once it is sharpened, will it stay that way forever? Of course not. Eventually, the point will dull, or the tip might even break. We need to continue sharpening a pencil in order to keep using it. In the same way, we must continually return to the Bible and to prayer, so that we can remain “sharp” and usable as Christians. We keep close to God by loving Him and communicating through Him, reading His words and talking to Him in prayer. And we also love His children, as Jesus instructed:
As the Father has loved me,so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.If you keep my commands,you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. -John 15:9-11
Christ here promises that God will keep us close if we remain near to Him. When we do this, we can rest assured that we will stay sharp. Because without God, life is like an unsharpened pencil…it just has no point!
More Back to School Lessons for Kids
1.“Back to School” Object Lesson (School Supplies Backpack)
2.Sunday School Lesson for Kids Going Back To School
3.Back to School Devotion for Kids (and Parents)
4.Children’s Church Lesson for Back to School (Teaching Empathy)
5. Blessing the Backpack (Church Event for Back to School)
Related Bible Lessons:
- Trust in Him! Children’s Sermon Object Lesson on the Lord’s Covenant with Abram from Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 God has made us wonderful promises, and always keeps them! He calls us to do His work, and gives us all that we need to complete it. This message reminds children that God will always provide for us and we can trust Him, even if...
- Pencil Bible Object Lessons So what’s the most humble school supply? I’d have to go with the pencil–an item that every child is familiar with. Why not take this tool and use it for an object lesson? From chewed to new, a pencil object lesson is one that kids...
- 7 Classic Mother’s Day Bible Verses Show mom she’s special (to you and to God). These Bible verses for Mother’s day are sure to bless your mother’s heart. Perfect for cards, gifts, crafts, or letters. Proverbs 31:28-29 NIV Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises...
- The Power of Words (Proverbs 18:21) Sunday School Lesson This is a continuation of lessons from Proverbs. This lesson focuses on the tongue and the power of our words to bring life and death. Students will discover that we need God to use our tongues wisely. Bible Passage:(Selected Scriptures)Bible Story Title:Proverbs-The Power of WordsTarget...
- Bible Lesson: Proverbs-Wisdom is applying God’s Truth The following lesson was used with a small group of students ranging from 1st Grade to 4th. The lesson coincided with the sermon series taught from Proverbs at our church. The wisdom of this Bible book is much needed by children today. Bible Passage:Proverbs 1:1-5;2...
- I AM the True Vine (John 15:1) Lesson Lesson Eight: The True Vine Main idea:Jesus helps us to grow when we stay connected to him. Series: This study is part of a 8- part series on the I AM statements of Jesus. Follow that link to find the other lesson plans. Teacher preparation:...
