The 40-day season of Lent is fast approaching. During this solemn time, Christians around the world prepare their hearts for Holy Week and Easter Sunday. There are many different ways to approach this season, but most sermons on Lent focus on the following themes:
- Repentance & Reflection
- Fasting & Prayer
- Transformation & Renewal
Key Themes of Lent Sermons
In this article, we will look at five popular Lent sermons available at SermonSearch.com. Browse these sermon outlines for topic ideas and connections. We’ve also included suggested resources you can find at our friends WorshipHouse Media and Shift Worship’s websites.
Lent Sermon Examples: Repentance & Reflection
Sermon 1: Opening Our Hidden Life to God
- Author: Tony Nester
- Scriptures: Matthew 6:1-6, 6:16-21
- Sermon Text: Opening Our Hidden Life to God
United Methodist pastor Tony Nestor discusses the spiritual disciplines of Lent–giving, prayer, and fasting–and the importance of practicing them sincerely. Our observance of Lent is not a time to impress others with our piety. It is a time for true spiritual growth, developed from confessing hidden sins, embracing silence, and seeking God’s approval and renewal.
Suggested Resources:
- How to Incorporate Liturgy Into Your Service (Without Making It Boring)
- Misty Lent Collection (Shift Worship)
Sermon 2: Ash Wednesday
- Author: Bob Wickizer
- Scriptures: II Corinthians 5:20-21, 6:1-10; Isaiah 58:1-12; Joel 2:1-2, 2:12-17; Matthew 6:1-6, 6:16-21; Psalms 103:1-6
- Sermon Text: Ash Wednesday
Christians unfamiliar with the practice of Lent may find its traditions offputting. Episcopal pastor Bob Wickizer preaches that this time is not about observing rituals on a superficial level but adopting meaningful spiritual disciplines to deepen our relationship with God. In this Ash Wednesday sermon, Wickizer reminds us that we are called to repentance and renewal as we are mortal and in need of God. We must align our hearts with the heart of God through acts of love and service to the poor and marginalized.
Suggested Resources:
- Vibrant Dust Service Pack (WorshipHouse Media)
Lent Sermon Examples: Fasting & Prayer
Sermon 3: First Sunday of Lent
- Author: Kenneth C. Kroohs
- Scriptures: Genesis 2:5-9, 3:1-7; Matthew 4:1-11; Psalms 51:1-13; Romans 5:12-14, 5:16-21
- Sermon Text: First Sunday of Lent
In “First Sunday of Lent,” Koohs explains how sin originates from disobedience. Our initial step in renewal is to recognize how we frequently try to place ourselves in the role of God rather than trusting in Him. Wickizer repeats this call to repentance in his “Ash Wednesday” sermon, where we are reminded not to lose focus on our identities in Christ just because of our surrounding culture. Likewise, Szymkowiak informs us that we are to live with integrity, self-control, and kindness in all areas of life, not just once a year for 40 days.
Suggested Resources:
- Why Observe Lent?
- Lent Grace Service Pack (WorshipHouse Media)
Sermon 4: Give Up for Lent
- Author: M. Jolaine Szymkowiak
- Scriptures: Titus 1:1-16
- Sermon Text: Give Up for Lent
What will you give up for Lent this year? In this sermon, M. Jolain Szymkowiak reminds us that Lent is a time of transformation and spiritual renewal. We take this time once a year to form godly habits to improve our faith. Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus, Szymkowiak shows us how we are to abandon harmful behaviors in order to embrace integrity, kindness, and good deeds in all areas of our lives. True transformation is a grace-fueled change. God calls us to live righteously, not just during Lent but throughout the rest of our lives.
Suggested Resources:
- 5 Reasons to Give Up Something for Lent
- Lent Grace Service Pack (WorshipHouse Media)
Lent Sermon Examples: Transformation & Renewal
Sermon 5: The Beginning of Lent
- Author: Bob Wickizer
- Scripture: II Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, II Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9
- Sermon Text: The Beginning of Lent
Why did the 12 Disciples repeatedly misunderstand Jesus? In this standalone Lenten sermon, Bob Wickizer examines how true discipleship requires followers of Jesus to engage with suffering rather than fleeing from it. The beginning of Lent is a call to action to encounter God while helping those who suffer.
Suggested Resource:
- What Is Lent? Mini Movie (Shift Worship)
How to Preach an Effective Sermon on Lent
Using the above five sermons for Lent, let’s determine how to preach our own effective sermon for this season. What constitutes a good message for Lent? What significant points should we make? How are Lent sermons different from the ones we preach throughout the rest of the year?
1. Emphasize the Meaning of Lent
Every sermon for Lent needs to emphasize the meaning and importance of the solemn season. Lent is a time of self-examination and repentance. It’s not just about giving something up but returning to God the Father with sincere hearts. Each of our five sermons emphasizes the meaning of Lent, although they may take different approaches.
2. Preach with a Call to Repentance and Renewal
In “First Sunday of Lent,” Koohs explains how sin originates from disobedience. Our initial step in renewal is to recognize how we frequently try to place ourselves into God’s role rather than trusting in Him. Wickizer repeats this call to repentance in the “Ash Wednesday” sermon, reminding us not to lose focus on our identities in Christ just because of our surrounding culture.
Likewise, in “Give Up for Lent,” Szymkowiak informs us that we are to live with integrity, self-control, and kindness in all areas of life, not just once a year for 40 days.
Suggested Resources:
3. Point to the Hope of Easter
A good Lent sermon will still point to the true hope of Easter, regardless of how many days until Easter Sunday. Koohs reminds us that even when we fail, God’s grace is powerful enough to sustain us and offer ultimate restoration.
Suggested Resources:
4. Use Biblical Narratives to Illustrate Lenten Themes
Pull from Biblical stories and passages to help your congregation grasp the meaning behind important Lenten themes and practices.
Suggested Resources:
5. Highlight Spiritual Disciplines
Lent is a time of repentance, fasting, and transformation. In “Opening Our Hidden Life to God,” Nester explains the importance of sincerity in giving, prayer, and fasting. Meanwhile, Wickizer reminds us that Lent’s disciplines are about more than just giving up small comforts. They are about bringing believers closer to God. Finally, Szymkowiak encourages us to cultivate new spiritual habits that will extend beyond the 40-day season.
Suggested Resources:
6. Encourage Personal and Corporate Reflection
An important aspect of Lent is reflection. This is a time for the individual to reflect on their relationship with God, as well as a time for the congregation to come together to examine their collective priorities and responsibilities as believers. “The Beginning of Lent’ reminds us that helping those in need and suffering is not just charity but a chance to encounter God. “Opening Our Hidden Life to God” encourages us to ask ourselves the sobering question, “How much would I give, pray, or fast if only God knew what I was doing?”
7. Preach with a Tone of Grace, Not Guilt
Finally, an effective sermon on Lent should be preached from a position of grace. As a pastor, your sermon needs to meet people where they are and offer not the despair of guilt but the hope of God’s mercy. Kroohs’ sermon reminds us that God’s commandments are less about restricting humanity and more about guiding us toward wholeness. Encouraging lifelong transformation leads to lasting spiritual growth.
Preparing Hearts for Easter
Regardless of how your church observes the season of Lent, remember that it is a time to prepare our hearts for the salvation Jesus offers.
To browse more sermon outlines, visit Sermons on Ash Wednesday and Sermons for Lent.
