Acts 2:1-4; Galatians 4:1-7 [5:16-26]
Paul writes that the works of the flesh are obvious. And while the duality of flesh versus spirit is a problem, let’s go explore the obviousness. For Paul doesn’t call the works of the Spirit obvious. Our behavior illustrates that it isn’t obvious, or that we don’t care. There is a strong contrast with the fruits of the Spirit, as we would expect. Paul doesn’t use the word obvious for the fruits of the Spirit. Would we?
The close of this chapter may give us the most pause. Competing against one another, envying one another – let us not do that. How would that change things? Would that be obvious? What is obvious about our faith and witness? What should be obvious about the fruits we bear?
