The Gravity-Defining Power of Gratitude

Nov 26

Grant Partrick leads listeners in a second talk on the book of Ephesians, pointing to the life-transformation followers of Jesus are called to embrace. We are called to adopt many things—like imitation of God—but there are also many things to avoid–like ingratitude. The beauty of the Spirit of God is that He works in us to make us both more grateful and less ungrateful as we walk in step with Him.

Key Takeaway

As we imitate the character of the Father, let us live in gratitude for all He has given us and all He has done for us.

“

That the gospel is meant not just to secure our future...but to transform us today.

”

Grant Partrick

Discussion Questions

Who do you imitate most? Who do you desire to imitate – in work, life, hobbies, or other areas?
What did Grant mean in saying that the ‘Gospel’ is “not just meant to secure us” but “transform us”?
What did Grant say about ‘walking’ and what this passage suggests it should look like in our lives?
What were some of the vices to avoid on the two “lists” Grant mentioned? Are any of those vices rampant in our society?
In your own words, how important is it to live a grateful life?
Which from the list of ‘Ways to Cultivate an Ungrateful Heart’ convicted you most and why?
What is the solution? Build a list – as a group and from this talk – of five ways to cultivate gratitude in your life.
What are the primary ways a person gains wisdom?
Of all Grant shared these last two weeks, what is sticking with you as we head out of this collection of talks?
Take a moment to read about the Armor of God in Ephesians 6. Talk about defense against our flesh and the Enemy in light of this passage. What does it suggest we are to do as followers of Jesus?

Scripture References

32.Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1.Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2.and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.3.But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4.Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5.For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.5:5 Or kingdom of the Messiah and God 6.Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7.Therefore do not be partners with them.8.For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9.(for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10.and find out what pleases the Lord. 11.Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12.It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13.But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14.This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”15.Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16.making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17.Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18.Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19.speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20.always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1.Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 2.Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3.not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4.He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full3:4 Or him with proper respect. 5.(If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

5.If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

7.The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools1:7 The Hebrew words rendered fool in Proverbs, and often elsewhere in the Old Testament, denote a person who is morally deficient. despise wisdom and instruction.

20.Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Grant Partrick

Grant Partrick is a part of the team at Passion City Church and serves as the Cumberland Location Pastor. He is passionate about inspiring people to live their lives for what matters most. Grant and his wife, Maggie, live in Marietta, Georgia with their daughters, Mercy, Ember, and Charleigh. He is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary where he earned a masters of theology degree.