EPHESIANS 5:15-20 

“How can we live wisely in a foolish and wicked age?”

A Spirit controlled life

a. Advantages

• Walk in love (avoiding potential pitfalls: evil influences & evil individuals) 
• Walk in light (understanding the current cultural context)
• Walk in wisdom (seeing things the way God does, seizing every opportunity to please and glorify God & seeking to discover things pertaining to real wellbeing)

b. Attributes 

• Speaks in a distinct way to other
• Walks in a pecular way with God
• Expresses gratitude to God throughout the vicissitudes of life
• Orders itself unnder the leadership of God

Expressing gratitude through the vicissitudes of life

a. Part of our Christian culture 

“It is gratefulness which makes the soul great.” –Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel 

b. Reassures God that his help was actually appreciated and encourages Him to do more 

“If you cannot be grateful for what you have received, then be thankful for what you have been spared.” –Yiddish Proverb   

c. Acts as an antidote to the “headwinds/tailwinds” imbalance. (Focus on the obstacles in one’s life/Take for granted blessings)   

    “If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies in yourself.” –Tecumseh Tribe