Leader Guide
Video Leader Guide
Select a video to have playing as children enter the Large Group room. Videos are under Resources on the top menu bar.
Have Small Group leaders greet the children as they enter the Large Group room and engage them in a game or conversation until time for Large Group to begin.
Welcome back for the last lesson of our Superbook adventure, “Paul and the Shipwreck.” How did Paul know there would be a shipwreck, yet he and the crew would survive? An angel appeared to him and told him.
Paul encountered many hardships as he obeyed the Lord. However, he relied on Jesus to overcome all obstacles. When we are weak, Jesus gives us His power! Let’s praise God for sending His Son to save us and strengthen us by singing The Salvation Poem.
Play Video 7:(Song)The Salvation Poem (3 minutes)
Be sure to preview the song so you can sing along with the children.
The Salvation Poem
SuperTruth and Discussion(2 minutes)
Our SuperTruth for today is: “Jesus can work through my weakness.” Let’s whisper this as if we are really weak and need Jesus to strengthen us. Ready? Whisper!
You whispered so softly that I could barely hear you! Now, let’s shout the SuperTruth with all the power and strength that Jesus has given us!
Wow, what a difference!
The SuperTruth tells us that Jesus can work through our weakness. What do you think we have to do before He will do that?
Yes, we have to humble ourselves and admit we need His help! When we allow Him to work through us, we will be strengthened.
Introduce Condensed Bible Story (1 minute)
If most or all children watched the Bible story video in a previous lesson, omit it here and go straight to the SuperVerse.
If you saw our video in Lesson 1, you’ll remember that Joy became discouraged with all of the difficulties she faced while trying to help others. What changed her mind? She watched Paul overcome difficult hardships and suffering, much more serious than the discomfort she experienced. She learned how Paul relied on Jesus for strength in his weakness.
Now, for the children who haven’t seen our Bible story yet, we are going to watch a short version of the video. If you’ve already seen it, watch for the answer to this bonus question which you will be asked in Small Group. What was the name of the Roman captain who was in charge of the prisoners?
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.
Play Video 10C: SuperVerse Graphic 3
Graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat verse.
SuperVerse Graphic 3
SuperVerse (2 minutes)
Our SuperVerse is 2 Corinthians 12:9:
Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
Let’s say the SuperVerse together.
Paul had asked God to take away something in his life that caused him difficulty and suffering. This verse begins with Jesus answering Paul, saying:
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.”
Instead of taking away the problem, God promised to give Paul the power and strength to overcome it. We all have weaknesses, temptations and difficulties that we face each day, yet we do not have to face them on our own. Jesus will give us His power. Let’s stand and shout the SuperVerse together with all our might!
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.
Introduce Signposts Video (1 minute)
Let’s watch our Signposts Video to see how Paul’s ministry journeys pointed to Jesus and His life and ministry.
Play Video 6: Signposts Video (4 minutes)
Signposts Video
Prayer and Send-Off (2 minutes)
Let’s pray before we move to our Small Groups to learn more about Paul and overcoming weakness.
Dear God, we admit that we have many failings and weaknesses. Thank You for the example of Paul, who shows us that when we are weak, Your power can work through us. Thank You for loving us, forgiving us, and strengthening us. We praise You that when we are weak, we are strong in You! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Remember how Paul was bitten by a snake as he gathered firewood? Today in Small Group, we are going to pick up sticks—so be really careful and watch out for “snakes”!
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.