Choosing Christ: Our True Banner of Identity
Summary
The name Jehovah Nissi—“The Lord is my banner”—reveals a profound truth about identity, allegiance, and the source of our victory. Throughout life, we all live under various banners: our families, our workplaces, our favorite teams, our cultural backgrounds, and even our churches. These banners shape us, give us a sense of belonging, and sometimes even become rallying points in our lives. Yet, the critical question is: which banner is primary? Which one are we willing to go to battle for, and which one truly defines us?
Looking at the story of the Israelites in Exodus, we see a people who, despite witnessing God’s miraculous deliverance and provision, were quick to forget His faithfulness. When faced with the Amalekites, the victory was not won by military might but by dependence on God—symbolized by Moses lifting the staff of God, supported by Aaron and Hur. The Lord was their banner, the one who identified them and under whom they rallied. This story teaches us that God alone is responsible for our victories, and our role is to trust, obey, and persevere, often with the support of others.
In our own lives, it’s easy to let lesser banners—good things in themselves—overshadow the cross. When anything takes precedence over Christ, it becomes an idol. We must continually examine our hearts to ensure that Jesus is our primary banner, not just in word but in the way we live and make decisions. This means discerning which battles are truly ours to fight, relying on God’s strength rather than our own, and remembering His faithfulness in every season.
We are not meant to fight alone. Just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur, we need community—people who will hold up our arms when we are weary and whom we can support in their battles. Perseverance is possible when we remember God’s past faithfulness and share those stories with others, building up faith for the challenges ahead. Ultimately, the name above every name is Jesus. He alone is worthy to be our banner, the one who purchased us with His blood and calls us to reaffirm our allegiance to Him, not just once, but continually.
Key Takeaways
- The Banners We Live Under Shape Us, But Only One Should Define Us
We all live under multiple banners—family, work, culture, interests—but only the banner of Christ should have ultimate authority in our lives. When lesser banners overshadow the cross, they become idols, subtly shifting our allegiance and priorities. True freedom and identity are found when Jesus is our primary banner, guiding every decision and relationship. Examine your heart: what banners are you most willing to defend, and do they point others to Christ? [06:22]
- Discernment in Battle: Not Every Fight Is Yours
God does not call us to every battle that presents itself. Sometimes He fights for us; other times, He calls us to act. Discernment comes from prayer, time in the Word, and a willingness to ask, “Lord, where are You at work, and where do You want me?” Don’t let others or the culture manipulate you into battles that are not yours—seek God’s direction above all. [19:16]
- Victory Belongs to the Lord, Not to Our Efforts
It’s tempting to take credit for our successes or to despair in our failures, but Scripture reminds us that God alone grants victory. Whether through miraculous intervention or through our obedience, the outcome is always in His hands. Remembering this keeps us humble, grateful, and dependent, and it guards us from pride or self-reliance. Give God the glory for every victory, big or small. [21:18]
- Perseverance Requires Community
Battles will weary us, and perseverance is rarely a solo endeavor. Like Moses, we need others to hold up our arms when we are weak, and we are called to do the same for others. True Christian community is not just about Sunday gatherings but about sharing burdens, praying for one another, and supporting each other through life’s hardest moments. Don’t isolate yourself—let others in, and be willing to be the support someone else needs. [23:43]
- Remembering and Recounting God’s Faithfulness Fuels Future Trust
We are quick to forget God’s past faithfulness, especially in new trials. Building habits of remembrance—through journals, stories, or physical reminders—anchors our faith and equips us to trust God in the next battle. Sharing these stories with the next generation is vital; it helps them build their own trust in God before their hardest days come. Make it a practice to recall and retell what God has done, both for your sake and for those who follow after you. [29:07]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - The Meaning of Banners in Ancient Times
[03:19] - Modern Banners: Identity and Division
[04:35] - Personal Banners: The Wisconsin Badger Example
[06:22] - When Banners Become Idols
[07:44] - Other Banners: Work, Church, and Family
[08:51] - What Banners Are You Under?
[10:13] - The “Sunday School Answer” and Real Allegiance
[12:14] - Israel’s Journey: God’s Faithfulness and Our Forgetfulness
[15:25] - The Battle with the Amalekites: Moses’ Raised Hands
[16:42] - Jehovah Nissi: The Lord Is My Banner
[17:15] - Being on God’s Side, Not Just Our Own
[19:16] - Only Fight the Battles God Assigns
[21:18] - God Grants the Victory
[22:59] - Perseverance and the Need for Support
[23:43] - The Power of Community in Battle
[27:46] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
[29:07] - Passing Down Stories of God’s Faithfulness
[32:57] - The Name Above Every Name: Jesus
[36:07] - Is Jesus Your Primary Banner?
[38:36] - The World’s Competing Banners
[41:02] - You Cannot Serve Two Masters
[42:38] - Communion: Reaffirming Our Allegiance to Christ
[44:04] - Confession and Recommitment
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Jehovah Nissi – The Lord Is My Banner
---
### Bible Reading
Exodus 17:8-16 (ESV)
8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim.
9 So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”
10 So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.
11 Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed.
12 But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
13 And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword.
14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.”
15 And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner,
16 saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”
Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;
17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
---
### Observation Questions
1. In the story of Exodus 17, what was the role of Moses, Aaron, and Hur during the battle with the Amalekites? How did their actions affect the outcome?
[[15:25]]
2. According to Ephesians 6, what are the real battles Christians face today, and what kind of “armor” are we told to put on?
[[32:08]]
3. In the sermon, what are some examples of “banners” people live under besides Christ?
[[07:44]]
4. What did Moses do after the victory over Amalek, and what did he name the altar?
[[16:42]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to give Israel victory in a way that depended on Moses’ raised hands and the support of others, rather than just military strength? What does this teach about dependence on God and community?
[[15:25]]
2. The sermon mentions that not every battle is ours to fight. How can a person discern which battles God is calling them to, and which ones to leave alone?
[[19:16]]
3. The idea of “banners” is about identity and allegiance. What are the dangers of letting other banners (like family, work, or culture) become more important than Christ?
[[06:22]]
4. Why is it important to remember and retell stories of God’s faithfulness, both for ourselves and for the next generation?
[[29:07]]
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine what banners we are most willing to defend. What are some banners in your life (family, work, sports, culture, etc.) that sometimes compete with your allegiance to Christ? How do you know when a good thing has become an idol?
[[06:22]]
2. Think about a recent “battle” or challenge in your life. Did you rush in on your own, or did you stop to pray and seek God’s direction first? How can you practice discernment before jumping into every conflict or cause?
[[19:16]]
3. When you experience success or victory, do you tend to give God the credit, or do you find yourself taking the credit for your own efforts? What are some practical ways you can give God glory in your daily life?
[[21:18]]
4. Are you currently trying to fight a battle alone? Who are the “Aarons and Hurs” in your life who can help hold up your arms when you are weary? Is there someone you know who needs you to support them right now?
[[23:43]]
5. What are some habits or tools you can use to remember God’s faithfulness in your life? (For example: journaling, sharing stories, physical reminders.) How can you make this a regular practice?
[[29:07]]
6. Have you shared stories of God’s faithfulness with your children, grandchildren, or others in your life? What is one story you could share this week to encourage someone else’s faith?
[[29:58]]
7. The sermon ended with a call to reaffirm our allegiance to Christ, not just once, but continually. What is one step you can take this week to make sure Jesus is your primary banner—both in your heart and in your actions?
[[44:04]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person live under the banner of Christ, to discern which battles to fight, to rely on Him for victory, and to support one another in community.
Devotional
Day 1: The Lord is My Banner—Jehovah Nissi
The Lord is the one who identifies us, gathers us, and grants us victory; He is our true banner above all others. In the story of Exodus, after God delivered the Israelites from Egypt and provided for them in the wilderness, they faced the Amalekites in battle. Moses stood on the hill with the staff of God raised, and as long as his hands were lifted, Israel prevailed. When he grew weary, Aaron and Hur supported his arms, and the Lord granted victory. Moses then built an altar and called it "The Lord is my banner," recognizing that it was God who defined their identity and brought deliverance. In our lives, we may find ourselves under many banners—family, culture, work, or interests—but only the Lord's banner is worthy of our ultimate allegiance. He is the one who calls us His own and leads us to victory. [16:42]
Exodus 17:8-16 (ESV)
Then Amalek came and fought with Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose for us men, and go out and fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.” So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek, while Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” And Moses built an altar and called the name of it, The Lord Is My Banner, saying, “A hand upon the throne of the Lord! The Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”
Reflection: What is one “banner” in your life—an identity, affiliation, or passion—that sometimes overshadows your identity in Christ? How can you intentionally place the Lord’s banner above all others today?
Day 2: Remembering God’s Faithfulness
God’s people are called to remember His faithfulness in the past so they can trust Him in the present and future. The Israelites repeatedly forgot God’s miraculous provision—parting the Red Sea, providing water, sending manna and quail—quickly turning to grumbling and doubt when new challenges arose. Yet God remained faithful, providing for their every need. We, too, are prone to forget how God has answered prayers and carried us through trials. By intentionally recalling and recording God’s faithfulness—through journals, stories, or physical reminders—we strengthen our trust in Him for whatever lies ahead. Sharing these stories with others, especially the next generation, helps build a legacy of faith and reminds us that God, who was faithful before, will be faithful again. [29:07]
Psalm 77:11-14 (ESV)
I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples.
Reflection: Take a few minutes to write down or share with someone a specific time when God was faithful to you. How does remembering this encourage you to trust Him with a current challenge?
Day 3: The Battle Belongs to the Lord
Victory in life’s battles comes not from our own strength or strategy, but from trusting in God’s power and direction. Throughout Scripture, God’s people are reminded that He is the one who grants victory—whether it was the walls of Jericho falling, Gideon’s tiny army defeating the Midianites, or the Israelites overcoming the Amalekites as Moses’ hands were raised. We are often tempted to take credit for our successes or to rush into battles that God has not called us to fight. True discernment comes from seeking God’s will through prayer and His Word, trusting that He will lead us into the right battles and provide the victory in His way and timing. Our role is to be on God’s side, not to try to get God on ours. [21:18]
Romans 8:31 (ESV)
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Reflection: Is there a situation where you are striving in your own strength or fighting a battle God hasn’t called you to? How can you surrender this to God and seek His direction and victory?
Day 4: We Are Not Meant to Battle Alone
God designed us to walk through life’s battles in community, supporting and being supported by others. Just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms when he grew weary, we need others to come alongside us in our struggles. Jesus Himself invited Peter, James, and John to be with Him in the Garden of Gethsemane during His darkest hour. In the body of Christ, we are called to bear one another’s burdens, to pray for and encourage each other, and to persevere together. Sometimes we are the ones in need of help; other times, we are called to support someone else. Isolation leads to discouragement, but community brings strength and hope as we keep our eyes on Jesus together. [24:38]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Reflection: Who in your life might need you to “hold up their arms” right now? Reach out to encourage or pray for them today—or, if you are weary, ask someone to support you.
Day 5: Jesus—The Name Above Every Name
Above every other name, banner, or allegiance stands the name of Jesus, who alone is worthy of our ultimate devotion and trust. The study of God’s names reveals His character, but Philippians reminds us that God has exalted Jesus and given Him the name above every name. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. He alone is fully God and fully man, the only one who could pay the penalty for our sin and bring us into right relationship with God. The world will always try to draw us under other banners, but we must continually reaffirm that Jesus is our primary banner—our Lord and Savior. If anything else has taken priority in your life, today is the day to return to Him, confess, and recommit your allegiance to Christ above all. [34:17]
Philippians 2:9-11 (ESV)
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to reaffirm that Jesus is your primary banner? Take time to pray, confess, and recommit your allegiance to Him today.
Quotes
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