Our response
     1.   do for other what Holy Spirit does for us:
               a.   brings us peace, helps us to be at peace
               b.   advises, encourages, strengthens us
               c.   gives us joy: anticipation of good
               d.   teaches us
     2.   Does scripture say we should do these things for others?
               a.   Rom 14:19 “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to
          mutual edification.”
               b.   Rom 15:2 “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him
          up.”
               c.   1 Cor 12:7 “[gifts of the spirit are] given for the common good.” — for
          everyone’s benefit.
               d.   1 Cor 14:3 “But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their
          strengthening, encouragement and comfort.”
               e.   1 Cor 14:12 “try to excel in gifts that build up the church.”
               f.   1 Cor 14:31 “For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be
          instructed and encouraged.”
               g.   Gal 6:1 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should
          restore him gently.” — reconciling, bringing peace
               h.   Gal 6:2 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of
          Christ.” — sharing strength.
               i.   Eph 4:11-13 purpose of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers: to
          prepare God’s people for works of service, bring unity, develop maturity.
               j.   Eph 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only
          what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may
          benefit those who listen.”
               k.   Col 2:2 “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in
          love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order
          that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ.”
               l.   Col 3:16 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish
          (gently warn or advise) one another with all wisdom.”
               m.   1 Th 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the
          timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.”
               n.   1 Th 5:11 “Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in
          fact you are doing.”
               o.   2 Tim 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct,
          rebuke and encourage — with great patience and careful instruction.”
               p.   Tit 2:4-5 older women to train younger women in family care.
               q.   Tit 1:9 “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught,
          so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose
          it.”
               r.   Heb 3:13 “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that
          none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Conclusion
Because the Holy Spirit fully satisfies our sense of competence, we are to help each other to be
competent.

Discussion Questions
     1.   How important is human dignity to productivity? How is this related to the sense of
     competence?
     2.   How can workers’ sense of competence by improved in your workplace.”
     3.   Is it evil to profit from your skills? Why or why not?
     4.   Should our society be striving for economic equality or economic equity? Why? Point:
     in our society, money is a symbol of competence.