The Three Outposts, Your Mission: Study 8

Church and State

Prayer: O Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, You have given us Your holy Word and have bountifully provided for all our earthly needs: We confess that we are unworthy of all these mercies, and that we have rather deserved punishment. But we beseech You, forgive us our sins, and prosper and bless us in our various callings, that by Your strength we may be sustained and defended, now and forever, and so praise and glorify You eternally; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one true God, now and forever. Amen.

How are these outposts confused?

These outposts are confused when the responsibilities and authority of one outpost are mixed with or usurped by another.

Review the kinds of authority God gave to each of these outposts.

Confusion of The Three Estates in Political Philosophy and Literature

First, the term "Three Estates" has been used in both popular literature and political discussions throughout history. The terminology of the Three Estates comes to us from the background of Medieval Feudalism. In that context it referred to the Clergy, the Nobility, and the Commoners. There were authors

The Three Outposts, Your Mission: Study 7

State and Home

Prayer: Lord Jesus, abide with us. Make our homes the dwelling places of Your continual presence, and keep us faithful to You and Your Word. Let the joy of the Gospel dwell in our hearts. Let our daily conversations be hallowed and pleasing and acceptable to You. Preserve us from sin. Be with us in the hour of temptation. Keep us unworried and untroubled. Remove from our lives all unbelief and indifference. Strengthen our faith, deepen our love to You, and make us consecrated people who day after day bring all our cares, concerns, joys, and sins to You in prayer. Let your blessing be upon our families and our nation. Grant our nation peace, and safety. Give our president, governors, representatives, judges, and all officers of the civil state Your spirit of wisdom and fear, that we may live our lives in quiet godliness for the glory of Christ and the benefit of Your Church. In Christ's holy Name we ask this. Amen.

How are these outposts confused?

These outposts are confused when the responsibilities and authority of one outpost are mixed with or usurped by another.

Review the kinds of authority God gave to each of these outposts.

Some questions for discussion:

Does being a father and husband mean that a man has the divine responsibility to ensure that his neighbor is giving his kids enough exercise?