Sovereign Grace Church

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

(2nd Corinthians 2:17)

We should aim to speak as “IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.” We are not to ask ourselves, “What did the people think of me?” but, “What was I in the sight of God?” Latimer was once called upon to preach before Henry VIII, and he began his sermon in the following manner: “Latimer! Latimer! Do you remember that you are speaking before the high and mighty King Henry VIII, before the one who has power to command you to be sent to prison, before the one who can have your head chopped if it pleases him to do so? Won’t you be careful to say nothing that will offend the royal ear?” Then after a pause, he went on: “Latimer! Latimer” Don’t you remember that you are speaking before the KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, before the One at the bar of whose judgment HENRY VIII WILL STAND, before the One to whom one day you will have to give account yourself? Latimer! Latimer! Be faithful to your Master and declare God’s Word.” Oh that this may be the spirit in which we may always step down from our pulpits, not caring wither men are pleased or displeased, not caring whether men say we were eloquent or a poor speaker, BUT going away with a conscience which testifies that  “I have spoken as in the sight of God” [2 Corinthians 2:17].