Leader Guide

Video Leader Guide

Welcome (1 minute)

Welcome, everyone! Today is the second lesson of our Superbook story, “Paul and the Shipwreck.” Paul faced many challenges and obstacles, yet he never gave up. He was obedient to follow God’s call—and the Lord will help us follow His call on our lives, too. Let’s praise God as we sing and do the motions to He Has a Plan.

Play Video 11: (Song) He Has a Plan (3 minutes)

He Has a Plan

Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along and do the motions with the children. They may clap and do freestyle movements during the animation sections.

SuperTruth and Discussion (1 minute)

Our SuperTruth today says: “I will not give up.” Let’s shout that together!

Raise your hand if you know it’s easy to quit when things get tough.

Yes, but today we will learn that God blesses those who don’t give up!

Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)

If all children watched the Bible story video in the previous lesson, you may skip it here and go straight to the Bible Background Video.

If you were here last time, why did Joy, Chris and Gizmo travel with Chris’ parents to another country? To help people after a devastating flood.

Yes, they volunteered to help people in need—even though they didn’t have to go.

For the children who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version of “Paul and the Shipwreck.” Notice all the hardships that Paul encountered on his journey to follow God’s will for his life! If you have already seen the full video, watch closely for the answer to this question: What was the name of the island where Paul came ashore after the shipwreck?   

Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (9.5 minutes)

Condensed Bible Story

Superbook takes Chris, Joy and Gizmo back in time to meet the Apostle Paul, who has been arrested and put aboard a prison ship to stand trial in Rome. They see how Paul has the strength to face many dangers—including a dreadful storm, a terrible shipwreck, and a poisonous snake. The children learn to look past weakness and fear to focus on the Lord and His mission for them.

Discussion (1 minute)

Do you believe that our lives will always be free of trouble once we decide to follow Jesus?

How would you feel if you were arrested on false charges?

Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)

Now let’s watch our Bible Background Video and learn more about the time when Paul lived. When Gizmo asks a question in the video, wait for him to suggest some answers, then call out the one you think is right!

Play Video 5: Bible Background (8.5 minutes)

Bible Background

Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic 2

Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.

SuperVerse Graphic 2

SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)

Let’s say our SuperVerse, Galatians 6:9, together: 

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Have you ever tried to do something good, but it didn’t work out the way you thought it would? Maybe nobody seemed to notice or care. Perhaps you got so tired and frustrated that it seemed the best thing to do was to give up!

What does “reap” mean? To gather or collect, like you would reap a crop of grain.

Our SuperVerse tells us not to give up, because at the perfect time, God will bless us for our good works. When we feel like we are too tired to do more, remember that someday we will see a wonderful harvest from God!

Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. Younger children may not be able to memorize the entire SuperVerse. They may simply repeat it several times, while older children may memorize part or all of it. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)

Let’s pray: Dear God, thank You for giving Paul courage and strength to follow You so he could obey Your call and take the Gospel into the world. Please give us Your strength so we can follow You and do the right thing, even if it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, Amen.   

Let’s go to our Small Groups where you will play a game about traveling by ship to Rome like Paul! Are you ready to sail? All aboard!

Teachers take children to Small Group classes for Grades 1–3 and 4–6. If the combined group is small, all children may stay together for Small Group time.

Game

Let’s shout our SuperTruth today with our eyes closed. “I will not give up.”

Who remembers the name of the island where Paul came ashore after the shipwreck? Malta.

Paul had to travel a long way to Rome on a ship, didn’t he! He wasn’t on a vacation; he was a prisoner on his way to stand trial before Caesar. Even though Paul encountered many trials, he didn’t give up. He was determined to fulfill his mission to testify about Jesus in Rome.

Today we will play a game where we sail from the port of Caesarea in Israel to Rome. You will travel in pairs: one of you will be Paul, and the other will be Julius, the Roman army captain. He was kind to Paul on their journey and kept him from being harmed by other soldiers. Just like a ship’s crew, each pair must work together to make it to Rome.        

Divide the children into two teams, then have each child find a partner for the game. So no one feels left out, encourage children to pick partners they don’t know very well. 

If a team is uneven, have a helper play, or one player may play again. Each team is given two towels. Refer to the illustration for game play.

The first pair for each team will place the first towel on the floor just over the Caesarea line to begin their journey to Rome. Both players will step onto it: one in the front and one in the back. Then the player in front will place the second towel on the floor in front of the first towel. Both players will step onto the second towel. The player in the back will then pick up the first towel and hand it to the player in front, who will place it on the floor in front of the second towel. This is how each pair will travel to Rome. Be careful! Remember that Paul’s ship encountered bad storms and rough seas! So, if a player steps into the water—off the towels, the team must go back one towel length and start from there. When a team places a towel over the Rome line and both players step onto it, they have arrived safely! The players must then quickly carry both towels back to the next pair on their team. The first team to have all players arrive in Rome wins.

Conclusion: What great sailors you all are! You completed the journey to Rome safely! Let’s learn more about doing what is good and the harvest of blessings that our SuperVerse talks about!

Teaching

Stand by the basket and hold the edge of the towel covering it, as if you were going to remove it—but don’t! Are you wondering what is in here?

Would anyone like to take a guess?

Those are some interesting guesses, and we will find out if any of them are correct at just the right time!

Walk a few steps away from the table.  If you are doing something good but no one seems to notice or care, is it easy or hard to keep going?

Why?

Sometimes we may feel that we are wasting our time. We can grow tired and weary of doing something—even if it’s a very good thing.

The Apostle Paul understood this very well—and he gave some wonderful advice:  

Read 1 Corinthians 15:58:

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Everything we do for God is important, and nothing is a waste of time! Even if others do not see the good we are doing, God always sees, and He is the one who blesses us!

That reminds me of something else that Paul wrote. In fact, it’s our SuperVerse, Galatians 6:9! Let’s say it together:

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Go back to the basket and place your hand on the towel again. Would you still like to know what is under here?

Yes, I thought so; and now is just the right time! Remove the towel to uncover the basket. Carry the basket with you as you talk.

This is a basket like someone might use to reap a harvest of crops from a garden or a farm. Can you reap fruit or vegetables right after you plant the seeds?

No, it takes time for the seeds to grow. As our SuperVerse says, we will reap a harvest of blessings at just the right time!

What are some of God’s blessings? Family, friends, homes, food, clothes, the Bible, church, etc.

God gives us many blessings that we can see—and He also gives us many blessings that we cannot see! Let’s talk about the spiritual blessings that God gives us when we serve Him faithfully and do not give up.   

Pull out the items from the basket one at a time, in order. Read the text, discuss and hold it up for all to see. If time permits, you may choose to have volunteers pull each item from the basket at the right time.

1.Cluster of Grapes: Joy

Paul wrote about the special joy that comes from sharing the Gospel and bringing people to Christ.

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:9:

How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.

Read Philippians 4:1:

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION FOR GRADES 4–6

The Bible talks about the joy of the harvest.

Read Deuteronomy 16:13–14a:

“You must observe the Festival of Shelters for seven days at the end of the harvest season, after the grain has been threshed and the grapes have been pressed. This festival will be a happy time of celebrating.”

When we share the Good News of Jesus, we are working for a wonderful harvest of souls.

2. Olives: Strength

When we trust God, He gives us His strength.

Read Isaiah 40:31:

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

When we grow tired and weak, we may be tempted to give up. But if we trust God, He promises to give us new strength to continue! 

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION FOR GRADES 4–6

What is this a picture of? Olives.

Olives grow in the Holy Land and they are mentioned many times in the Bible. When you crush olives, you get olive oil to light lamps, to cook, and use for many other things. Olive trees grow to be very old; some are hundreds of years old. When Jesus prayed the night before He died, He was in the Garden of Gethsemane, which is on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. He knew that He was going to be tortured and crucified for the sins of everyone. Even though He didn’t want to die, He prayed in Luke 22:42b:

 “I want Your will to be done, not Mine.”

He prayed for strength to obey God. Did God answer His prayer?

Yes, Jesus had the strength to go to the cross and die for our sins. Strength is a gift from God, and He will give it to us when we trust Him.   

3. Pomegranate: Priceless Inheritance

When we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, we are adopted as God’s children. As part of His family, We receive a priceless inheritance from God. We have forgiveness, faith, love, and power. 

Read 1 Peter 1:4:

And we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION FOR GRADES 4–6

What kind of fruit is this?

It is a pomegranate, which is mentioned in the Bible many times. When you peel a pomegranate, you find many little pieces of fruit inside. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we receive many wonderful blessings in Him—here on Earth and up in heaven!

Unlike crops of fruit and vegetables, our inheritance will never rot or decay—it will last forever!

4. Kernels of Wheat: Eternal Life

This is the ultimate harvest blessing for all believers—eternal life in heaven with God! Nothing we can ever do will earn eternal life. It is a free gift from God through trusting Jesus!      

Read Galatians 6:8:

Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit.

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION FOR GRADES 4–6

Everyone has a choice. We can live a selfish life for ourselves, doing whatever feels good at the moment. Or, we can live for God and do what is good, looking forward to an eternity with Him.

Conclusion: Just like I waited to reveal what was in this basket at the right time, God will give us our harvest of blessings at just the right time. These blessings are real, and His timing is perfect! Let’s read what Paul said about this.

Read Philippians 3:14:

I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Paul’s goal was to become more and more like Christ and to live with Him forever. Paul would not give up, and we must never give up, either! So let’s shout our SuperTruth: “I will not give up!” 

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Now it is time for our Discipleship Challenge! Who can tell me the first four books of the New Testament? Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.

The first four books are called the Gospels, and they are about Jesus’ life and ministry.

What is the name of the next book? Acts.

Acts tells what happened after Jesus died and rose again. He went up to heaven and sent the Holy Spirit, giving His followers power to witness for Him. Acts is full of exciting stories about how the apostles preached the Gospel everywhere they went. 

One of those apostles is Paul! And the next books of the Bible are letters that he wrote, which we call epistles. Can anyone name them in order, from memory?

Now let’s look at the poster and read them aloud together. Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. 

Our challenge is to learn the last nine New Testament books before we meet again. Let’s read them together. Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2 & 3 John, Jude, and Revelation.

Hand out a New Testament Books Pattern to children who were not present for Lesson 1 and explain how to make it at home. Display the model you made. 

Take your craft home as a reminder to learn the names of the New Testament books. Remember, when we know the books of the Bible in order, it is easier to look up Scriptures in God’s Word.  

SuperVerse

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Galatians 6:9:

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

First of all, the verse tells us not to grow tired of doing what? Doing what is good.

In other words, don’t give up! Now, what does it mean to reap? To receive, collect or gather.

And what will we reap? A harvest of blessing.

A harvest is a crop that is ripened and fully grown.

Does the verse say at just the right time, maybe we will reap blessing? No!

Okay, how about this—there is a small chance we will reap a harvest if we don’t give up? No!

No, that’s not what the SuperVerse says. On three, shout the correct answer. At just the right time—1, 2, 3: We will reap a harvest of blessing!

You are absolutely right! If we don’t give up, we will reap and we will be blessed! 

How exciting to think of reaping a harvest of blessing from God! Not just one blessing—a whole crop! When we do what God wants us to do and are a blessing to others, God will reward us by blessing us! So if you ever feel like giving up, hold onto that promise!     

Let’s have the boys stand up and say the first sentence of the SuperVerse, then sit down.

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.

Now let’s have the girls stand up and say the second sentence.

At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Now let’s all stand and say where we can find this verse in the Bible. Galatians 6:9

Good! Now let’s do that again, but see who can shout their sentence the loudest!

Is there anyone who can say the whole SuperVerse from memory? Allow children to try.

Note: Younger children may not be able to memorize the SuperVerse. They may simply repeat it several times, while older children may memorize part or all of it. Be sure all children understand its meaning.

Prayer

We have been talking about doing good things as we serve God and others. Sometimes we grow tired, especially when we feel no one appreciates us or even notices what we are doing. We can take heart, knowing that God sees everything, and He is the one who provides the harvest of blessings—not others. One of the good things we can do is to encourage other believers to not grow tired or give up. 

Read Hebrews 10:24:

Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

To motivate means to encourage, push, or stir up. How can we encourage others? We can remind them that God’s blessings are near. We can remind them of the special gifts and talents that God has given them to do good things and to help others. Let’s do what this verse tells us to do—to think of ways that we may be able to motivate and encourage others to love and do good things for God and others. What are some ideas you have?

Great ideas! Let’s put those ideas into action.

Optional: have children sit in groups of three or four, and have them say encouraging things about the others, such as: Sarah, you are good at memorizing Bible verses; John, it’s great how you bring visitors to church. 

Then pray for the class, asking God to give them strength and energy to continue in their service to God and others. 

Close with prayer: Dear God, we pray that You will open our spiritual eyes to see the needs of other people. Help us notice ways that we can encourage others when they are discouraged or hurting, or feel like giving up. We want to share Your love and kindness with everyone we meet. Thank You that we will receive a harvest of blessing. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.   

Drawing Game

We have been talking about never giving up and continuing to do what is good. Let’s play a game where you will draw a simple picture or scene of someone doing a good act or deed. We won’t keep score, so there are no winners or losers. We will play just for fun and to illustrate some of the good things we can do in our lives. 

One by one, have each child come to the board and give them a slip of paper with something to draw. Items with asterisks are more difficult and should be given to older children. Allow about 30 seconds for each child to draw a picture as the class shouts their guesses, or raises their hands to be called upon to guess. If no one guesses before the time expires, you may reveal the item or give another child a chance to draw it. You may also give hints or choose another item as necessary. If you have more than 20 children, make up additional items for them to draw.

Conclusion: Doing good things for God and others comes in many forms. As we listen to the Holy Spirit inside our hearts and obey what God tells us to do, we will reap a harvest of blessings!

Object Lesson/Craft

Let’s say our SuperVerse together. Galatians 6:9:

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Hold up the packets of seeds. Have you ever planted seeds in a garden? What type did you plant?

The next day after you planted the seeds, did you find the fruit, vegetables or flowers growing tall and in full bloom? 

No, it doesn’t happen like that. It takes time; there are things that can affect the seed’s growth. The seeds must receive water and sunlight to grow. Too much or too little may affect the growth of the plant. Weeds can spring up and must be pulled. Sometimes animals or insects may damage your plants. You need to be patient and not give up. 

Doing what is good is like planting seeds—spiritual seeds. When we are obedient to God and go around doing what is good, we are planting seeds for a harvest of blessings. Like the seeds in the packet, we may experience difficulties and obstacles along the way as we try to do what is good. Remember all of the hardships that Paul experienced. Did he give up? No.

If we don’t give up, at just the right time, we will experience a spiritual harvest! 

Hold up the seed packet. Sometimes, we can be discouraged while waiting. You may need to look at the picture on the seed packet to remind yourself what you are waiting for! That can give us enough encouragement to wait for the harvest!   

Hold up the Bible. It is the same with doing what is good and planting spiritual seeds. If we grow tired or discouraged, we can look at the promises in the Bible and encourage ourselves that a harvest will come! We can read verses to remind us that we have received a free gift of salvation through Jesus, and our good works are a way to thank God for what He has done for us!    

Hold up the potted plant. The Bible says we WILL reap. There is no doubt about it.   

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6:

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.

Let’s continue to plant seeds by doing what is good wherever we go and whenever we have the opportunity! The more we plant, the more we become a blessing to others and the greater the harvest of blessings we will reap! 

Optional: give each child a plastic spoon and some potting soil in a disposable cup. Show them how to use the spoons to plant seeds in their cups. Put a small amount of water in each cup—enough to moisten the soil and hold it in place, but not enough to make it soupy. Put the cups in the plastic bags, close, and have the children take their cups home as a reminder of the lesson. They should place their cups in a sunny window and water occasionally.

Balloon Game

Let’s shout our SuperTruth together. “I will not give up!”

We have learned how Paul did not give up, even when he faced tremendous hardships and uncertainties.

Read Acts 20:22–24:

"And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem. I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me in city after city that jail and suffering lie ahead. But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”

This is amazing. Paul never knew where he would be sent, how long he would be in jail, or how he would suffer. Despite all of that, Paul kept going so he could accomplish God’s will and finish his journey to reap his reward. 

Let’s play a game where you will do a good thing by obeying your leader. You will be told different ways to bounce a balloon in the air. You don’t know how long you will need to do it; the important thing is that you must continue to do a good thing and don’t give up! At that point, at the right time, you will receive a reward. 

Give each player a balloon. Players do not volley the balloon between them—they each play with their own balloon individually. The balloon cannot be caught or held in hands or against the body. If it touches the floor, the player must pick it up and continue until you shout, “Time is up!” It is important that the children do not know the length of time that they must continue doing each exercise.   

Instructions:

• Bat the balloon in the air with both hands. 15 seconds.
• Bat the balloon in the air with your right hand. 30 seconds.
• Bat the balloon in the air with your left hand. 30 seconds.
• Bat the balloon in the air with your head. 15 seconds.
• Bat the balloon in the air with your shoulders. 30 seconds.
• Bat the balloon in the air with your knees. 60 seconds.
• Bat the balloon in the air with your feet. 30 seconds. 

Scoring:

• One point is given to each player in each round, regardless of how many times the balloon hits the ground.
• Two points are awarded to any player who does not allow the balloon to touch the floor at all during one round.  

Record the points on the board after each turn, then give instructions for the next round.

Optional: Divide the children into several teams, with a different leader giving different instructions with different times for each team to obey. Afterward, ask: Was it difficult to see that others did not have to do a good thing as long as you? 

Conclusion: Great job not giving up - no matter how long your time was to obey the instructions! How did it feel to not know how long you must do the good thing?

Did it help to know you would be rewarded at the end of the time?

Our SuperVerse tells us at just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. God’s timing is not always the same as our timing, but He is never slow or late! At just the right time, God will release the blessings and we will reap a harvest!

Bible Study

Choose three passages to study. Have children look up the scriptures; and lead a discussion using the questions below: 

1.Hebrews 13:16:

And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.

• What good thing does this verse tell us to do? Share.
• What are some things we have that can be shared?
• How can sharing what you have be a sacrifice?
• Why can sharing be hard sometimes?
• Have you ever shared something that you didn’t want to, but you did because you felt God wanted you to?

2. Matthew 25:35–40:

Divide the verses among volunteer readers.

³⁵ “‘For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home. ³⁶ I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.’ ³⁷ Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink?< ³⁸ Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? ³⁹ When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit You?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!’”

• Who is talking in these verses? Jesus.
• Who are we really helping, when we help those who are less fortunate? Jesus.
• Name some things listed in these verses that you can do now, with help from parents or other adults. Give someone a bottle of water, talk to a new person at school or in the neighborhood, befriend a visitor at church, invite someone to play who is left out, donate clothes/food, help someone, send a card to or visit a sick person.
• In verse 40, what do you think “the least of these My brothers and sisters” means? Those who are considered unpopular or less important or ignored and overlooked. People who can’t repay our kindness.

3. Philippians 2:4:

Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

• What do you think the word “interests” means in this verse? Things important to you, situations, possessions.
• What are some ways we can we show interest?
• When we show interest and concern for others, how is that a good thing—how can it help them?
• When we are only concerned with our life and what is important to us, what can that show to others? That we may be selfish, that we don’t really care about what is important to them, that we only care about ourselves, that they aren’t important to us. 

4. Psalm 34:12–15:

Divide the verses between volunteer readers.

¹² Does anyone want to live a life that is long and prosperous? ¹³ Then keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies! ¹⁴ Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. ¹⁵ The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; His ears are open to their cries for help.

• According to verse 12—if we do the good things listed in these verses, what can we enjoy or receive? Long and prosperous life. 
• What is the good thing we can do in verse 13? Tell the truth, don’t speak evil things like gossip, rumors, mean, or cruel things.
• In verse 14, what are we to do with evil things? Turn away, stay away from, avoid.
• In verse 14, what are we to do instead? Good things, pure things, things pleasing to God. Be a peacemaker, work to keep the peace. Don’t cause trouble, fights and arguments.
• In verse 15, what is a benefit we receive from doing right? In other words, what blessing do we reap, as our SuperVerse says? God watches over us and protects us; He listens for our cries and hears us.

5. Luke 6:35:

“Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.”

• Are we only to do good things for people we like; such as for our friends or family? No, for our enemies, too.
• Why is that difficult?
• How hard is it to lend something without expecting to be repaid? Can we do it on our own; if not, whose help do we need? We need God’s help. Mention that children should check with their parents before lending or giving away any possessions.
• What is the promise to us, what is the blessing? How is this like our SuperVerse?

Conclusion: The most important “good” that we can do is to love God and keep His commandments. When we truly love God, we will love others, share His love, and become a servant to all.