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"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice."

Text: Ephesians 4:31

VISIBLE SINS

Sins may either be visible or they may be invisible. Paul once again highlighted the very obvious and visible sin of “evil speaking” in this text. It should be put away from the life of the believer with great forcefulness. Evil speaking is far more destructive than most imagine.

THE VISIBLE SIN OF EVIL SPEAKING

Let us consider why this sin must be put away at all costs!

1. Because we are members of the Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:25)

2. Because it would give place to the devil (Ephesians 4:27)

3. Because it is essentially corrupt and has corrupting influences (Ephesians 4:29)

4. Because it will grieve the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30)

Visible sins must be dealt with. They are more easily dealt with than invisible sins.

INVISIBLE SINS

Invisible sins are more deadly simply because they are “invisible”. These sins may never make their appearance, but they exist nonetheless. Let us consider these invisible sins that Paul highlighted.

1. Bitterness (“pikria”)

Why is this invisible sin so deadly? Let us consider what this sin really is:-

a) The heart and mind of the individual is in a state of irritability.

b) Hidden behind the façade of irritability is animosity.

c) The individual harbors harsh opinions of others.

d) He is quite capable of using mean and venomous words.

i) He can speak against fellow believers.

ii) He can speak against the church.

2. This sin must be recognized and repented of

There is only one way to deal with sin. It must be put away from our hearts.