Superbook

Lesson:

God can use us for His purposes when we obey Him!

Extras

• Character Profiles

  • Noah

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    Noah

    

    The world was fraught with evil. So evil, in fact, that God vows to destroy the world, saving only Noah. God tells Noah, the only "righteous man" on earth, to gather his family and a menagerie of animal kinds. Noah obeys, displaying his unwavering faith in God.

    • Bible References

      • Genesis 6:9
      • Genesis 6:7
      • Genesis 6:19
      • Genesis 8:16
      • Genesis 8:21

  • Rahab

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    Rahab

    

    Israelite spies hid in Rahab's house. When the king's men came looking for the spies, Rahab protected them. Her sacrifice and reverence for God gave her favor when the Isrealites eventually conquered the land.

    • Bible References

      • Hebrews 11:31
      • Joshua 2:8-11
      • Joshua 2:12-13
      • Joshua 2:14
      • Joshua 2:17-20
      • Joshua 6:22-25
      • Matthew 1:5-6
      • Hebrews 11:31
      • James 2:25

  • Joshua

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    Joshua

    

    Joshua was Israel's new leader following Moses' death. It was now time to conquer the land God promised His people. The commander of the Lord's army appeared to Joshua so he knew God was with him. Joshua bravely followed God's instructions to cross the Jordan River and march around Jericho. The walls collapsed and God gave them the city!

    • Bible References

      • Joshua 6:27
      • 1 Chronicles 7:20
      • 1 Chronicles 7:27
      • Exodus 17:8-16
      • Numbers 13:16
      • Exodus 32:15-20
      • Deuteronomy 31:23
      • Joshua 1:1
      • Joshua 2:1
      • Joshua 1:2
      • Joshua 1:5
      • Joshua 3:6
      • Joshua 3:15-16
      • Joshua 3:17
      • Joshua 6:15-16
      • Joshua 6:20
      • Joshua 10:12-13
      • Joshua 10:11
      • Joshua 18:10
      • Joshua 24:28-30

  • Abraham

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    Abraham

    

    Abraham lived in the city of Ur (sounds like I’m clearing my throat). God told Abraham that he would become the father of a great nation. Abraham trusted God and was obedient to Him, and, after 25 years, God’s promise was fulfilled through the birth of Isaac. God tested Abraham’s faith by asking him to sacrifice his Isaac - this interaction pointed to how God would provide His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Click here to see what Jesus' life and sacrifice can mean for you!

    • Bible References

      • Genesis 15:6
      • 2 Chronicles 20:7
      • James 2:23
      • Hebrews 11:8-19
      • Genesis 23:17-20

  • Esther

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    Esther

    

    A decree goes out saying all the Jews must be killed. Queen Esther faces a moral life and death crisis. Ultimately, she decides to stand up for her people -- the Israelites.

    • Bible References

      • Esther 4:14
      • Esther 2:21
      • Esther 3:1
      • Esther 3:9

  • Daniel

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    Daniel

    

    As a Jewish captive in the land of Babylon, Daniel continued to obey God and hold on to his convictions from God’s word. Daniel’s bold actions showed his dedication and commitment, doing what was right regardless of the consequences. Learn more about Daniel and God's hand of protection on his life here.

    • Bible References

      • Daniel 6:4
      • Daniel 1
      • Daniel 2:4
      • Daniel 5
      • Daniel 7

  • David

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    David

    

    My infoscan says that DAVID was the youngest of Jesse’s eight sons. David obeyed his father and carried out his family responsibilities. During his life, he was a shepherd, musician, poet, soldier, and king. A pretty busy fellow, for real. Samuel anointed him as king, but it was many years before he actually became king of Israel (1 Samuel:16). One of his most famous feats was his encounter with Goliath. Click here to learn more about this event and much more.

    • Bible References

      • 1 Samuel 16:13
      • 1 Samuel 16
      • 1 Samuel 19:9-24
      • 1 Samuel 18
      • 1 Samuel 20
      • 1 Samuel 24
      • 1 Samuel 26
      • 2 Samuel 2
      • 2 Samuel 5
      • 2 Samuel 11
      • 2 Samuel 12
      • Psalms 51
      • 1 Kings 2
      • 1 Samuel 13:14
      • Acts 13:22
      • 2 Samuel 7:29

• Adventure Guide

  • 

    Gizmo's Bible Adventures - Your New Journey with God

  • 

    Heroes of the Bible - Family Discussion Guide

• Videos

  Heroes of the Bible - The Salvation Poem

  • 

    Heroes of the Bible - The Salvation Poem

• Q & A

  • What can you possibly do to be a hero in God's eyes?

    A hero in God's eyes is often very different than how the world sees a hero. To be clear, God's heroes may do incredible, courageous acts; but most often it means being faithful and obedient in whatever He asks - big or small.
    
    One of God's heroes, the prophet Isaiah, answered the call to bring God's message to His people in a very difficult and dangerous time. God asked who He could send and Isaiah volunteered saying, "Here I am, send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah became a hero in God's eyes for his willingness to be a mouthpiece for God and deliver a hard message to His people.
    
    Another courageous and powerful way God asks us all to be heroes is to simply live like Jesus did, everyday! Philippians 2:15 says, “So that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people." When we live according to God’s Word, regardless of what others do, we shine His light in dark places. Micah 6:8 identifies what it takes to be a hero for God: “No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
    
    When we walk humbly before God and share His love with others, we are heroes in His sight. By doing this, we draw people to Him so they might be saved. And isn't that what heroes do... save people!
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Isaiah 6:8

  • Do we have to do everything that God tells us to do?

    How important is it to obey God and His Word? To qualify as a hero for God, it is essential; there is no way around it. We cannot live careless lives and expect to be entrusted with important tasks, big or small. (Luke 16:10). In the Old Testament Saul was a humble man who became a king and mighty warrior for God. However, he became careless and disobedient. This resulted in Saul being tragically rejected by God as king. The prophet Samuel was sent by God to tell Saul his fate. (1 Samuel 15:22). Willing obedience pleases God more than any act of sacrifice or service. Obedience brings God great pleasure, and it shows Him that we can be trusted with even more important tasks in His kingdom work.
    
    Noah was a hero in God’s eyes because of His obedience to God and His law. Genesis 6:9 says, “This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, the only blameless person living on earth at the time, and he walked in close fellowship with God.” Because of Noah’s obedience, God selected him to build a huge ark to save Noah and his family and all the animal species on the earth!
    
    Unlike King Saul, Noah didn’t get a big head! He remained humble and obedient as he worked God's plan. Genesis 6:22 says, “So Noah did everything exactly as God had commanded him.” After the ark was constructed, God gave Noah further instructions. Nothing had changed over many years, Noah was the same faithful, obedient servant. Genesis 7:5 says, “So Noah did everything as the LORD commanded him.”
    
    Joshua was given specific instructions from God to defeat the walled city of Jericho. Joshua gave orders to his army to do exactly as God had told him – nothing more, nothing less. Because God’s orders were followed precisely, the city walls collapsed and God brought victory to Joshua and the Israelites. Joshua was a hero in God’s eyes because of His obedience to His Word. (Joshua 6:1-20).
    
    When we live in obedience to God, we are promised His favor, fellowship and presence. “Jesus replied, “All who love Me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and We will come and make Our home with each of them.” (John 14:23).
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • 1 Samuel 15:22

  • Is it necessary to have strong faith to be a hero in God's eyes?

    Faith is defined as the reality of what we hoped for and the evidence of things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1). All heroes in the Bible had great faith. Moses was sent by God to rescue the Israelites from captivity in Egypt. Moses could not have accomplished what God called him to do without faith. Hebrews 11:27 says, “It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.” How can you keep your eyes on God, who is invisible? Only by faith! Moses saw God through spiritual eyes instead of focusing on what he could see with his physical eyes--a powerful angry Egyptian king!
    
    By faith, Rahab became a hero and risked her life to hide Joshua’s spies. She was convinced that God was real and would save her, even though she was the enemy! For her act of bravery and faith, God saved her and her name is recorded as a hero in the Bible for all to see! (Hebrews 11:31).
    
    Noah was a hero for God who acted in unwavering faith to complete a never heard of, one of a kind, difficult task for God. Hebrews 11:7 says, “It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith.”
    
    Abraham obeyed God because of faith. He left his family and his home to go to a place he didn’t know. Because of his faith and obedience, God gave him a rich inheritance and he became the father of all nations! (Hebrews 11:8-12).
    
    Hebrews chapter 11 lists countless heroes who accomplished amazing things by their faith in the invisible God. Today, faith is still a requirement to live for God. We must be convinced that God exists even though we can’t see Him. The Bible tells us that not only is it good to have faith, It’s impossible to please God without it! (Hebrews 11:6).
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Hebrews 11:1
    • Hebrews 11:27
    • Hebrews 11:6
    • Hebrews 11:2

  • Where can I find strength and courage to do things for God?

    What is our source of courage and strength? Ephesians 6:10 says: “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Our strength is not our own, it comes from the Lord! Zechariah 4:6b says, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty.”
    
    In the Old Testament, a young Jewish man named Gideon was hiding from the Israelite’s enemies. He was the youngest man from the smallest tribe of Israel. Judges 6:12 says, “The angel of the LORD appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the LORD is with you!” Mighty hero? He was hiding from the enemy, not preparing for battle; how could that be? The answer is that the Lord was not looking at Gideon’s physical stature, his bravery or strength. The Lord saw what Gideon could be empowered by God’s Spirit! The Israelites had cried out for God’s strength and God chose His hero to be Gideon! After some convincing and patience shown by God, Gideon obeyed God and courageously led his small army against the powerful Midianites and won! Anyone can be a hero through obedience paired with God’s calling and strength! (Judges 6-7). Psalm 121:2 says, “My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth!” Think of what we can do with God, the Creator of heaven and Earth, as our helper and source.
    
    Many heroes of faith who accomplished amazing feats of courage and strength are listed in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11. Hebrews 11:34 says, “Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.”
    
    Our weakness becomes strength when we trust in God! What is the limit to what we can accomplish with God’s strength? Philippians 4:13 has our answer: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Ephesians 6:10
    • Philippians 4:13
    • Zechariah 4:6
    • Joshua 1:9

  • How can I know I have what I need to do all God asks me to do?

    When given a job or task, one of the first things we do is gather the proper tools or equipment we need to complete the work. We want to be prepared and equipped. Having the right equipment gives us confidence. When God calls someone to do a task, He also equips them.
    
    When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses did not feel like he was the man for the job. In fact, he made several excuses and asked God to send someone in his place. One excuse Moses gave was that he wasn’t good with words and his words often got tangled. God said He is the one who created people to hear and speak and He would give Moses the words to say. After more excuses, God sent Aaron, Moses’ brother, to go with Moses and speak for him. Our wonderful Creator will provide all that we need to do His work. (Exodus 3-4).
    
    Psalm 90:17 says, “And may the Lord our God show us His approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!" God wants us to be successful. He will give us all we need when we obey Him and seek His help to do His work.
    
    God even equips us with invisible spiritual armor to stand against anything that opposes our work for God. He equips us to be able to resist temptation and to stand firm in our faith as we work His plan for our lives. The key is that God provides the armor, but it is our job to put it on—daily! (Ephesians 6:10-13).
    
    One of the most important things that God equips us with is His Word. 2 Timothy 3:17 says, “God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.” Ephesians 6:17 says, “Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”
    
    When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days by the devil, Jesus defeated every trick and temptation the devil; threw at Him by speaking God’s Word! (Matthew 4:1-11) By reading and learning the promises of God in the Bible, we are well equipped to defeat the enemy and to be a hero in God’s eyes. Psalm 92:4 says that God’s promises are our armor and protection! The more we read and take God's promises to heart, the more we are equipped and prepared for battle!
    
    The Apostle Paul spoke of God’s ability to equip us in Hebrews 13:21 as he prayed for fellow believers: "May He equip you with all you need for doing His will. May He produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to Him. All glory to Him forever and ever! Amen."
    
    
    
    Discover God's love and plan for you

    • Ephesians 6:13
    • Psalms 90:17
    • 2 Timothy 3:17