You Are Called
Pastors Rodney & Adonica Howard-BrownePublish date: 05/24/2026
Foundation Scriptures:
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16 KJV
So those who [now] are last will be first [then], and those who [now] are first will be last [then]. For many are called, but few chosen. Matthew 20:16 AMPC
1. Many Are Called.
a. All men are called (invited and selected) by God to receive salvation.
b. Matthew 11:28 KJV –– Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
c. John 3:16 KJV –– For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
d. Revelation 22:17 KJV –– And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
2. Few Are Chosen.
a. No one is excluded beforehand from receiving God’s grace.
b. Each person must choose, for themselves, to believe and obey.
c. Matthew 7:13-14 NKJV –– Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
d. Many are called, but few choose to respond and obey.
e. John 15:16 NKJV –– You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.
f. We may not have looked for Him or chosen Him, but He graciously chose us.
g. We do not receive any of His marvelous benefits until we make our choice to obey and serve Him.
3. The Last and the First.
a. Last (Greek eschatos) means last in time or in place and/or last or least in rank, grade of worth; lowest.
b. First (Greek protos) means foremost (in time, place, order or importance).
c. This verse (Matt. 20:16) refers less to an order of time, and more to a position, or attitude.
d. Matthew 23:12 KJV –– And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
e. The lowest, the humble will be exalted and receive all that God has made available.
f. The lofty and proud will be humbled and abased before God and man.
4. Humility to Receive.
a. Matthew 18:3-4 KJV –– And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
b. To lay aside worldly ambitions and lust for power, position, money, or fame.
c. James 4:6 KJV –– But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
d. God gives grace to the humble.
e. In Luke 18:10-14, Jesus gave us the parable of the arrogant Pharisee and the humble publican (tax collector).
f. The Pharisee came to God on the basis of his perceived status and his works, but was rejected by God.
g. The tax collector came in sincere humility and repentance, begging God for mercy, and the Lord answered.
h. Luke 18:14 KJV –– I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
5. You are Chosen.
a. John 15:16 KJV –– Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
b. You are chosen for God’s purpose and plan.
c. You are expected to bear fruit.
d. John 15:19 KJV –– If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
e. You are not like everyone else.
f. You are not called to conform to the standards of the world.
g. You are called to a higher calling in Christ.
h. To fulfill His plan and purpose for your life.
i. And to bring Him glory and to see His glory manifest through your life.
6. Higher Calling.
a. It is a HIGH calling.
b. Philippians 3:14 KJV –– I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
c. It is a HOLY calling.
d. 2 Timothy 1:9 KJV –– Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.
e. It is a HEAVENLY calling.
f. Hebrews 3:1 KJV –– Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.