Back to the Future

November 19, 2023

Aspire Church San Marco will celebrate 85 years of ministry in 2024. With a tremendous legacy behind us, a compelling mission ahead of us, and a faithful Savior leading us, how should Aspire Church San Marco members faithfully run the race set before us? Join us as we begin a year-long journey Back to the Future.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Hebrews 12:1-2

Essentials for Getting Back to the Future:

Learn from the ##past##.
##Lighten## the load.
Run with ##endurance##.
Stay focused on ##Jesus##.

Practice

Come back to the future with us in 2024.

Look back with ##Thanksgiving##
Help us build a ##bridge## to the ##future##

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

When was the last time you were forced to slow down? What happened as a result? Read Chapter 8 of An Unhurried Life by Alan Fadling to dive deeper into this subject.

HEAR

Read 2 Corinthians 12:6-10

What might have tempted Paul to self-importance and conceit? What did God give Paul to keep that from happening?
Do you believe God allows suffering in our lives? Why or why not? If so, what purpose might our suffering serve?
How many times did Paul ask God to remove his thorn? What was God’s answer? Was God’s refusal to remove the thorn a reflection of God’s love for Paul? Why or why not?
Do you believe God’s grace is greater than any suffering you may endure? Have you seen your thorns as governors for God’s purpose in your life or as obstacles to be overcome?

Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-18

Why does Paul compare us to jars of clay? What do verses 7-10 tell us about the purpose of suffering? Who benefitted from Paul’s suffering (v. 15), and what was the consequence?
Have you ever experienced outward wasting and inner renewal at the same time?
How do you think Paul would define “light and momentary troubles”?
According to Paul, where should we fix our eyes and why? How does this apply to you right now?

HUDDLE

Are you currently suffering in any area of your life? How might God use that suffering to draw you closer to Himself? What are you learning about God because of this experience? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

This week’s reading plan focuses on passages highlighting suffering and God’s bigger plan. As you read, invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you about any suffering you are experiencing.

Day 1: Romans 8
Day 2: 2 Corinthians 4
Day 3: 2 Corinthians 5
Day 4: 2 Corinthians 12
Day 5: Hebrews 11
Day 6: Hebrews 12
Day 7: James 1

Think Deeper

Describe your life 15 years ago. What were your hopes for the future?
Where do you see yourself in 15 years?
In the light of where you’ve been and where you hope to be, how should you live your life today?