God as Our Banner: Love, Identity, and Victory
Summary
God’s love for us is unchanging and steadfast, a truth that we need to remind ourselves of regularly. Just as we express love to those closest to us, God has given us tangible reminders of His love—most notably, the practice of communion. When we take the bread and the cup, we remember Christ’s body broken and His blood shed for us, a new covenant that is not based on our faithfulness but on His. This act is a physical reminder of a spiritual reality: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Today, we explored the name Jehovah Nissi—“The Lord is my banner”—from Exodus 17. In the story of Israel’s battle with the Amalekites, Moses held up the staff of God, and as long as it was raised, Israel prevailed. When his arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur supported him, and the staff remained lifted until victory was secured. Moses then built an altar and named it Jehovah Nissi, signifying that God Himself was Israel’s rallying point, their identity, authority, and victory.
A banner in ancient times was more than a flag; it was a declaration of identity, authority, and hope. It was a rallying point in battle and a symbol of victory and presence. For Israel, God was the unifying banner above all tribes, the one under whose authority and protection they marched. But this concept has often been misunderstood and misapplied throughout history, sometimes leading to violence and division in God’s name. True alignment under God’s banner is not about asking God to bless our agendas, but about joining Him in His mission.
To fight under God’s banner means to align ourselves with His purposes, depend on His strength, and reflect His character—ultimately revealed in Jesus. Jesus redefines what it means to fight under God: the cross replaces the sword, mercy replaces conquest, and love for enemies becomes the mark of His followers. Our victory is not in domination, but in self-giving love. The cross is now our rallying point, our banner of hope and salvation, drawing all people to Himself.
As we go into our week, we are called to examine what story we are telling with our lives, who we are uniting with, and where we look for hope in our battles. God is our banner—our identity, our unity, and our hope. When we are lost or weary, we lift our eyes to Him, join Him in His work, and rest in the victory He has already won.
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Key Takeaways
- God’s Love Is Our Constant Banner
God’s love is not dependent on our performance or faithfulness; it is steadfast and unchanging. Communion is a tangible reminder of this love, inviting us to remember Christ’s sacrifice and the new covenant established in His blood. In every season, we are called to return to this truth: nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. [30:31]
- Jehovah Nissi: God as Our Identity and Authority
When Moses named the altar Jehovah Nissi, he declared that God alone is our rallying point, our source of identity, and the authority under which we live. A banner in ancient times was a visible sign of belonging and protection, uniting people under a common purpose. In Christ, our lives are marked not by worldly labels or divisions, but by the grace and authority of God Himself. [50:28]
- Fighting Under God’s Banner Means Aligning with His Mission, Not Ours
True spiritual victory comes not from asking God to bless our plans, but from seeking where He is at work and joining Him there. This requires humility and discernment, recognizing that God’s mission is reconciliation and restoration, not conquest or domination. We must continually ask: Am I inviting God into my agenda, or am I joining Him in His? [55:09]
- The Cross Replaces the Sword: Jesus Redefines Victory
Jesus transforms the meaning of God as our banner by showing that victory comes through self-giving love, not force. To follow Jesus is to love our enemies, pursue justice and mercy, and lay down our lives rather than take up arms. The cross is now our rallying point, a symbol of hope and salvation for all people, and the ultimate display of God’s character. [01:04:20]
- Our Banner Unites, Identifies, and Offers Hope in Every Battle
In times of confusion, division, or struggle, we are called to lift our eyes to God as our banner. He unites us beyond our tribes and preferences, marks us with His grace, and offers hope and help in every battle we face. When we are lost or weary, we look to Jesus—high and lifted up—who draws us to Himself and invites us to join Him in His redemptive work. [01:10:10]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[30:31] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Love
[31:54] - The Meaning of Communion
[38:55] - Announcements and Camp Update
[46:41] - The Story of Jehovah Nissi
[48:22] - The Significance of the Banner
[49:14] - Banner as Identity, Authority, and Hope
[50:28] - The Banner in Israel’s Battle
[52:10] - Misunderstandings of “Fighting Under God”
[55:09] - Aligning with God’s Mission
[57:21] - God’s Authority: Not Taking Sides
[58:07] - Depending on God’s Strength
[01:01:28] - Reading the Old Testament Through Jesus
[01:04:20] - The Cross as Our Banner
[01:07:54] - Learning from History, Living Like Jesus
[01:09:06] - Practical Takeaways: Living Under God’s Banner
[01:10:10] - Banner as Identity, Unity, and Hope
[01:12:03] - Worship: “Battle Belongs” and Closing Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Jehovah Nissi – The Lord Is My Banner
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### 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.”
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
> 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
John 12:32 (ESV)
> 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.
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### Observation Questions
1. In the story from Exodus 17, what role did Moses, Aaron, and Hur each play during the battle with the Amalekites? What was the significance of Moses holding up the staff? ([46:41])
2. According to the sermon, what did the banner (or staff) represent for Israel during the battle? ([49:14])
3. What does Paul say in Romans 8:38-39 about God’s love and what can separate us from it?
4. In John 12:32, what does Jesus mean when he says, “when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself”? How does this connect to the idea of a banner? ([01:05:39])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose a physical object (the staff/banner) as a sign of his presence and victory for Israel? How might this help people remember spiritual truths? ([48:22])
2. The sermon mentioned that “fighting under God’s banner” has been misunderstood and misused in history. What are some dangers of misapplying this idea, and how does Jesus redefine what it means to fight under God’s banner? ([52:10])
3. How does the cross become our new “banner” as followers of Jesus? What does it mean for our identity and the way we approach conflict or struggle? ([01:04:20])
4. The sermon said, “True alignment under God’s banner is not about asking God to bless our agendas, but about joining Him in His mission.” What does this look like in practical terms for a church or an individual? ([55:09])
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### Application Questions
1. Communion is described as a physical reminder of God’s unchanging love. How often do you need reminders of God’s love, and what are some ways you can build these reminders into your daily or weekly life? ([30:31])
2. The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur shows the importance of support in times of battle. Who are the “Aarons and Hurs” in your life who help you when you are weary? How can you be that support for someone else this week? ([46:41])
3. The sermon challenged us to ask, “Am I inviting God into my agenda, or am I joining Him in His?” Can you think of a recent situation where you were more focused on your own plans than on what God might be doing? What would it look like to shift your focus? ([55:09])
4. Jesus redefines victory as self-giving love, not domination. Is there a relationship or situation in your life where you are tempted to “win” by force or argument, rather than by love and mercy? What would it look like to follow Jesus’ example in that area? ([01:04:20])
5. The banner unites and identifies us. What are some “banners” (identities, labels, or causes) you are tempted to rally under besides Jesus? How can you make sure your primary identity is found in Christ? ([01:10:10])
6. When you face battles—whether emotional, relational, spiritual, or practical—where do you usually look for hope and help? What would it look like to “lift your eyes” to God as your banner in those moments? ([01:10:10])
7. The sermon mentioned learning from history and not repeating mistakes where God’s name was used for the wrong reasons. Are there areas where you need to let go of old ways of thinking or acting, so you can better reflect Jesus’ character and mission? ([01:07:54])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for one another, especially for any “battles” people are facing, asking God to help each person look to Him as their banner, source of hope, and unity.
Devotional
Day 1: Nothing Can Separate Us from the Love of Christ
God’s love for us is unchanging and steadfast, no matter our circumstances or failures. We are reminded that nothing—neither death nor life, angels nor demons, present nor future, nor any power—can separate us from the love that is in Christ Jesus. This love is the foundation of our faith and the assurance that, even when we feel distant or unworthy, God’s love remains constant and true. As we remember Christ’s sacrifice through communion, we are invited to rest in the security of His unfailing love, which never gives up and never runs out on us. [31:54]
Romans 8:38-39 (ESV)
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: When you feel distant from God or unworthy of His love, what is one practical way you can remind yourself today that His love for you has not changed?
Day 2: The Lord Is My Banner—Our Identity and Victory
God revealed Himself as Jehovah Nissi, “The Lord is my banner,” after Israel’s victory over the Amalekites, showing that our true identity, authority, and victory come from Him alone. Just as a banner in battle was a rallying point, a symbol of hope, and a declaration of belonging, so God is the one who unites us, protects us, and leads us to victory—not by our own strength, but by our dependence on Him. When we lift our eyes to God as our banner, we find our place, our purpose, and our hope, knowing that He is present and fighting for us. [50:28]
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 area of your life where you have been relying on your own strength instead of looking to God as your banner and source of victory?
Day 3: Aligning with God’s Mission, Not Our Own
To fight under God’s banner means to align ourselves with His purpose and mission, rather than asking Him to bless our own plans. This requires humility and discernment, recognizing that God’s story is bigger than our agendas and that true victory comes from joining Him in what He is already doing. Instead of seeking God’s endorsement for our desires, we are called to ask, “God, what are you doing here, and how can I join you?” This shift in perspective transforms our prayers, our actions, and our sense of purpose, uniting us under His authority and mission. [55:09]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one decision or plan you are currently pursuing where you need to pause and ask God, “What are you doing here, and how can I join you?”
Day 4: The Cross Is Our Banner—Jesus High and Lifted Up
Jesus redefines what it means to fight under God’s banner by being “high and lifted up” on the cross, drawing all people to Himself and showing that true victory comes through self-giving love, not conquest. The cross becomes our rallying point, our symbol of hope, and the place where our identity is found. In Jesus, the banner is no longer about national or tribal victory, but about the universal invitation to salvation, unity, and transformation through His sacrifice. As we look to Jesus lifted up, we are called to lay down our lives, love our enemies, and reflect His character in the world. [01:05:39]
John 12:32 (ESV)
"And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."
Reflection: In what practical way can you “lift up” Jesus in your life today so that others might be drawn to Him through your actions or words?
Day 5: The Battle Belongs to God—Finding Hope in Him
When we face battles—whether physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual—we are invited to look to God as our banner, our source of help and hope. Instead of fighting in our own strength or retreating in fear, we are called to lift our eyes, seek His presence, and fight on our knees in prayer and dependence. God’s power is displayed not in our conquest, but in our surrender and trust, knowing that He goes before us and wins every battle. In every struggle, we can find safety, comfort, and victory under the banner of His love. [01:12:03]
Psalm 121:1-2 (ESV)
"I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Reflection: What is one specific battle you are facing right now, and how can you intentionally turn to God in prayer and dependence instead of trying to handle it on your own?
Quotes
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