Listen

Description

What if God’s call on your life is closer than you think—and what if He’s already given you the power to live it? In this In Christ message, Scott Wiens walks through Ephesians 3:1–13 and traces two gracious steps God took with Paul—and still takes with us today: commissioning and empowering. Scott opens with a memorable story about a former coworker named Steve, whose steady kindness and quiet faith helped steer him back to Jesus. That picture becomes the frame for the day: God doesn’t just call pastors and missionaries; He gives every believer a “commission of grace.”

Scott shows how Paul owned his specific call to preach to the Gentiles, then turns the question toward us. Beyond titles and platforms, what are we owning? The commission of grace is the mandate given to all Christians to reflect the power of the gospel in everyday life—at a checkout line, in a cubicle, at the dinner table. It’s not performance; it’s a new nature that shines through habits, speech, and choices. Drawing from Romans 12:1–2, Scott challenges halfway Christianity and calls us to present our whole selves to God. When belief and behavior align, people see a sermon rather than just hear one.

From there, the message gets practical: three simple ways to carry this commission. Live a holy life that matches your confession. Serve, because Jesus defined greatness with a towel over His arm and His eyes on “the least of these.” And share your testimony. Many will argue with a verse; few can dismiss a changed life. Scott urges us to be ready with gracious words (1 Peter 3:15; Colossians 4:5–6) and a renewed life (Ephesians 4:20–24) that makes the gospel plausible.

Then comes the hope we all need: when God commissions, He empowers. Paul ministered “by the working of God’s power” (Ephesians 3:7). The promised Spirit gives a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26–27), brings life to mortal bodies (Romans 8:11), and pours out grace richly (Titus 3:5–6). This is not self-help. It’s the living Christ at work within us, breaking chains and reshaping desires so our light isn’t hidden under a basket but lifted for others to find the way home.

Scott closes with an urgent invitation to walk in the light (1 John 1:5–7): confess what’s holding you back, ask for prayer, and begin again. Grace commissions you. The Spirit empowers you. Someone nearby needs your light. If you’re ready to be all in, this message will help you take your next step.

We are Trinity Community Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Subscribe to our Podcast & YouTube channel to find past sermons, classes, interviews, and more!
Find us on Facebook & Instagram