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Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen

Text: 2 Timothy 1:7
7 May 2017

LOOKING AT THE ORIGINAL CONCEPT OF “CHOSEN” IN THE LIGHT OF ISRAEL

1. Originally, being chosen meant also being called

2. The Lord God had chosen the people of Israel for Himself   (Deuteronomy 7:6)

3. The Lord God had regarded His people as “Chosen” from the beginning.

a) Called meant being chosen
b) Chosen meant being called

4. They were meant to respond as the chosen.

REALISING THAT THE ORIGINAL CONCEPT WAS LOST ALONG THE WAY

1. Israel rebelled against God again and again.

a) They failed to be God’s chosen people
b) They rejected the Lord

2. They took things for granted

3. The concept was lost along the way

REGAINING THE CONCEPT OF “CHOSEN” WITH SOME ELEMENTS OF REFINEMENT

“For many are called, but few chosen…”   Matthew 20:16

1. By the Lord’s example

a) He called many to follow Him
b) However not all prove themselves to be the chosen

2. By illustration

a) Teaching the parable of the labourers in the vineyard
b) Those who did not appreciate being chosen
i) They grumbled and complained
ii) They did not enjoy the privilege of serving
iii) They were more focused on themselves
c) Those who appreciated being chosen
i) They had a special relationship with the Lord
ii) They appreciated the privilege to serve
iii) They gave thanks to the Lord

APPLICATION TO THIS REFINED CONCEPT OF BEING “CHOSEN”

“So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”   Matthew 20:16

1. The first shall be the last

a) Those who are the so-called first in life – The rich, those who do well in life
b) They can end up being last spiritually

2. The last shall be first

a) Those who are regarded as last in life – The poor, those who are not so well off
b) They can end up being first spiritually

3. Doing all we can to be part of the chosen

a) Developing a close relationship with the Lord
b) In-depth appreciation that we are called to serve at all
c) Learning to give thanks for this privilege to serve