Winning the War of Life Through God’s Strategy

Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the unique calling He places on our lives, especially within the home. We began by witnessing the profound act of baptism, a visible sign of God’s transforming power and a reminder that faith is not just a private matter but a public declaration that unleashes God’s work in our lives. Baptism is not merely symbolic; it is a moment where God’s power is released to change us, and it’s a privilege to share these moments as a church family.

We reflected on the importance of gratitude, especially as we approach Thanksgiving. Despite the challenges and concerns in our nation, we are reminded that God has appointed our times and places. We are here by His design, and our response should be one of thankfulness, expressed through generosity and giving. True gratitude always finds its expression in giving, and this is at the heart of our calling as followers of Christ.

Turning to God’s Word, we explored the story of Jericho and the seemingly nonsensical strategy God gave Joshua. God’s ways often defy human logic, yet they are designed to accomplish what our own strength never could. The victory at Jericho was not won by force but by faith and obedience to God’s strategy. This principle carries over into the most foundational institution God created: the home.

We examined Peter’s teaching on submission within marriage, a concept often misunderstood and misapplied. Submission, as described in Scripture, is not about inferiority or coercion but about willingly embracing God’s strategy for victory in life’s battles. The Greek word “hupotasso” is a military term, meaning to arrange under for the sake of order and protection. Wives are called to willingly let their husbands take the first bullet, to trust God’s design, and to cultivate a quiet soul—a deep inner peace that brings beauty and strength to the home.

Husbands, in turn, are commanded to honor and be deeply considerate of their wives, never using strength or position to manipulate or coerce. The call is to sacrificial love, to be the “point man” who steps into danger first for the sake of the family. When both husband and wife embrace these roles, the home becomes a place of refuge, trust, and transformation—a testimony to the world of God’s wisdom and love.

Ultimately, this strategy mirrors the gospel itself: Christ, the ultimate point man, took the punishment we deserved so we could have life. The world may see God’s ways as foolish, but those who trust and obey find victory, peace, and the power to change the world.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s Strategy Surpasses Human Strength God’s instructions often seem illogical or even foolish by worldly standards, as seen in the battle of Jericho. Yet, when we trust and obey His strategy, we experience victories that our own strength could never achieve. Faith in God’s ways, not force, is the true path to overcoming life’s greatest challenges. [40:06]
• 2. Submission Is a Willing, Strategic Act Biblical submission is not about inferiority or blind obedience; it is a voluntary alignment with God’s order for the sake of protection and victory. Wives are called to let their husbands lead, not because they are less, but because God’s strategy for the home is about mutual trust and sacrificial love. This willingness to follow is a powerful testimony and brings peace to the home. [54:15]
• 3. True Beauty Flows from a Quiet Soul The most attractive and influential quality a woman can bring to her home is a quiet, peaceful soul. Outward adornment fades, but inner tranquility and trust in God create an atmosphere of peace and stability. This inner beauty is of great worth in God’s sight and has the power to influence even the hardest hearts. [61:46]
• 4. Husbands Must Lead with Honor and Sacrifice Men are called to be the “point man,” stepping into danger first and honoring their wives as co-heirs of God’s grace. This means never using strength or position to dominate, but instead living with deep consideration and sacrificial love. When husbands lead this way, they reflect Christ’s love and create a safe environment where trust and hope can flourish. [71:11]
• 5. The Gospel Is the Ultimate Strategy of Sacrifice God’s plan for salvation—sending His Son to die for us—seems irrational to the world, yet it is the only way to true life. Christ’s submission to the Father’s will changed the world and opened the way for us to be saved. Our willingness to follow God’s strategy in our homes and lives is a reflection of the gospel and has the power to transform those around us. [76:42]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [15:46] - The Power and Meaning of Baptism
• [16:57] - Baptism Testimonies
• [27:04] - Thanksgiving and Gratitude
• [28:38] - Welcoming Guests and Giving
• [33:31] - Christmas Give and Community Outreach
• [35:10] - Upcoming Events and Gatherings
• [37:31] - Preparing Our Hearts for God’s Word
• [38:39] - The Battle of Jericho: God’s Strategy
• [41:09] - Lessons from Military Strategy
• [44:24] - God’s Strategy for the Home
• [46:13] - Submission: A Biblical Perspective
• [53:22] - The Meaning of Submission (Hupotasso)
• [59:48] - True Beauty and the Quiet Soul
• [63:33] - Sarah: An Example of Faithful Submission
• [69:46] - Husbands: Honor and Consideration
• [76:19] - The Gospel: Christ, Our Point Man
• [78:43] - Prayer for Marriages and Salvation
• [81:03] - Closing and Dismissal

Small Group Bible Study Guide: God’s Strategy for the Home

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### Bible Reading

Joshua 6:1-5 (ESV)
> Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor. You shall march around the city, all the men of war going around the city once. Thus shall you do for six days. Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark. On the seventh day you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, when you hear the sound of the trumpet, then all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people shall go up, everyone straight before him.”

1 Peter 3:1-7 (ESV)
> Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

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### Observation Questions

1. In the story of Jericho, what specific instructions did God give Joshua and the Israelites for taking the city? How did these instructions differ from normal military strategies? ([38:39])
2. According to 1 Peter 3:1-2, what is the intended effect of a wife’s conduct on a husband who does not believe? ([50:19])
3. What does Peter say is the true source of beauty for women, and how does he describe it? ([01:01:46])
4. What command does Peter give to husbands in 1 Peter 3:7, and what is the consequence if they fail to obey it? ([01:13:18])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think God sometimes gives instructions that seem illogical or even foolish by human standards, like the strategy at Jericho? What does this reveal about faith and obedience? ([40:06])
2. The sermon described biblical submission as a “military strategy” rather than a sign of inferiority. How does this understanding change the way we view submission in marriage? ([53:37])
3. The pastor emphasized the power of a “quiet soul” in the home. Why might inner peace and trust in God be more influential than outward actions or words? ([01:01:46])
4. Husbands are told to honor and be considerate of their wives, never using strength or position to manipulate. What does it look like for a husband to be the “point man” in the family, and why is this important? ([01:11:11])

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### Application Questions

1. The Israelites had to trust God’s unusual strategy at Jericho instead of relying on their own strength. Is there an area in your family or personal life where you sense God asking you to trust His way, even if it doesn’t make sense? What would it look like to obey? ([40:06])
2. The sermon said, “True gratitude always finds its expression in giving.” As Thanksgiving approaches, what is one specific way you can express gratitude through generosity this week? ([32:03])
3. For wives: The message described submission as willingly letting your husband “take the first bullet” and cultivating a quiet soul. What does this look like in your daily life? Are there situations where it’s hard to trust God’s strategy? ([54:15])
4. For husbands: The call is to honor your wife and be the “point man” who steps into danger first. Can you think of a recent situation where you led with sacrificial love? Is there an area where you need to grow in being considerate or honoring your wife? ([01:11:11])
5. The sermon highlighted that “true beauty flows from a quiet soul.” What are some practical ways you can cultivate inner peace and trust in God, especially when life at home feels chaotic? ([01:01:46])
6. The pastor said, “When both husband and wife embrace these roles, the home becomes a place of refuge, trust, and transformation.” What is one step you can take this week to help your home become more of a place of refuge and trust? ([01:15:35])
7. The gospel is described as the ultimate strategy of sacrifice—Jesus took the punishment we deserved. How does remembering Christ as the “ultimate point man” shape the way you approach your role in your family or relationships? ([01:16:42])

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