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 (1 minute)
Welcome back to the second lesson of our Superbook adventure called “Paul Keeps the Faith.” In our last lesson, we learned the Apostle Paul faced many troubles as he shared the Good News about Jesus. In today’s lesson, we will learn a different way of looking at and dealing with trials and troubles that come our way.
Now, it’s time to stand and praise God for giving us His Holy Spirit to fill us with His love and provide strength and protection no matter the circumstance.
Play Video Song: Superhero (3.5 minutes)
Preview the song so you can help the children sing along with the music.
Armor of God
SuperTruth and Discussion (1 minutes)
Raise your hand if you have ever been told that you need to be patient? Children respond.
It isn’t easy to be patient; especially waiting for something you are excited about! It’s also hard to be patient in an uncomfortable or difficult situation where it just can’t end soon enough!
Patience is something we all need more of, and I think you will be surprised how the Bible tells us how we can receive it!
Our SuperTruth today is: “Troubles and trials develop patience in me.” Let’s say that together: “Troubles and trials develop patience in me.”
We will discuss this more a little later. Now, let’s watch a short version of our Bible story. If you have seen the video before, pay close attention to name two different animals that were caged outside the Roman coliseum or arena (Circus Maximus).
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.
Play Video 4: Condensed Bible Story (10 minutes)
Superbook whisks Chris, Joy and Gizmo to Rome during the Great Fire. They meet the Apostle Paul, who fearlessly proclaims the Gospel despite persecution and suffering.
Be sure to preview this video, as certain scenes may be too intense for some children.
Condensed Bible Story
Discussion
Have you ever faced troubles and wondered why? Children respond.
How do you think trials and troubles can develop patience? You need to trust that God is with you and helping you even if it sometimes doesn’t feel like it.
Have you ever gone through a difficult time, looked back, and realized how you had benefitted and grown stronger because of it? If so, would you like to share about it? Children respond.
Do you think it was more difficult to be a Christian in Bible times or today? Please explain.
In Bible times, because you didn’t have the whole Bible to read; in Bible times you had rulers like Nero who were cruel and persecuted Christians. OR: Today because of all the unbelief and opposition to God and Christianity on TV and the internet.
Introduce Bible Background Video (1 minute)
In today’s Bible Background video, we’ll learn more about Rome and the suffering and trials that the Christians endured. Be ready for Gizmo’s questions! Wait for him to give some answers, then call out the one you think is right!
Play Video 5: Bible Background (7 minutes)
Bible Background
Play Video 10B: SuperVerse Graphic
The graphic loops 2.5 minutes without audio; turn off or freeze video after children repeat the verse.
10B: SuperVerse Graphic
SuperVerse Discussion (1 minute)
The SuperVerse today is James 1:2-3:
It may seem hard to believe that any good can come of troubles! Yet our SuperVerse challenges us to view times of testing and troubles in a very different way—as an opportunity to grow in our Christian walk and to experience great joy!
Let’s say James 1:2–3 together:
When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for
great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a
chance to grow.
Children will have more time to learn the SuperVerse in Small Group. If they are not able to memorize the entire verse, be sure they understand its meaning.
Prayer and Send-Off (1 minute)
Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, Paul and all of Jesus’ disciples faced trials and troubles as they boldly spread the Gospel. Yet they developed endurance and patience, and their faith grew even stronger. Help us grow in our faith and see that hard times are an opportunity to develop patience and strength as we serve You! In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Our game in Small Group is all about the power we have through Christ to live a victorious life. Who is ready to defeat some trials and troubles that try to keep us down? Let’s go be conquerors!
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.