Date: March 18
Our Banner
The Point: We are always covered by God’s protection.
Get Into the Study
Use this story to introduce Question #1: What are some things we rely on for protection?
The new Apple headquarters that opened last year in Cupertino, California is a ring-shaped glass building covering 3 million square feet. It has been widely praised for its architectural design. However, one recently reported flaw appears to be linked to this beautiful design. Apple employees are repeatedly walking into the glass. The safety-glass has not caused any serious injuries, but many employees, reportedly began putting post-it notes on the glass as a protective measure to prevent collisions. Unfortunately, Apple reportedly did not think these randomly placed post-it notes lined up with the aesthetics of the building, and has removed these protections.
Ask Question #1: What are some things we rely on for protection?
In this session we will learn that God is our banner of protection.
Nikki Wilbanks is a stay-at-home mom, writer, Bible study leader, and commercial real estate appraiser/investor. She graduated from Pepperdine University, and lives with her husband and two children in Murfreesboro, TN.
Get Into the Study
Psalm 91 points to God’s protection. To introduce this study In Exodus 17 on God’s protection, play this brief recitation of Psalm 91. (This suggestion is referenced in the KJV Adult Leader Guide, page 42.)
Study the Bible
Use this story in the Exodus 17:11-13 section to introduce Question #3: How can we maintain our reliance on God’s power when the battle is long?
Billy Graham recently went home to heaven at the age of 99. Considered by many to be the most influential religious figure of the 20th century, Graham advised twelve sitting presidents, preached in person to more than 100 million people, and almost 3 million people responded to his message to accept Jesus.
Below are some of Billy Graham’s memorable words. Consider these as you answer question #3, which follows.
“My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”
“Being a Christian is more than just an instantaneous conversion – it is a daily process whereby you grow to be more and more like Christ.”
“I’ve read the last page of the bible. It’s all going to turn out alright.”
Ask Question #3: How can we maintain our reliance on God’s power when the battle is long?
Nikki Wilbanks is a stay-at-home mom, writer, Bible study leader, and commercial real estate appraiser/investor. She graduated from Pepperdine University, and lives with her husband and two children in Murfreesboro, TN.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- How have you been encouraged by someone during a difficult task?
- What wartime hero/heroine do you most admire? Why?
- What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word “Banner”?
Exodus 17:8-10
- When have you recently felt like you were under attack?
- What is your reaction when you’re under attack: (spiritually, physically, emotionally)
a. fight back b. run away c. hide d. deny the situation e. try to befriend the enemy - What lies might tempt us to treat sin lightly?
Exodus 17:11-13
- How can you intercede in prayer for others who need God’s presence and power in their lives?
- Who are some friends you can lean on when you are facing trouble or temptation?
- How do our brothers and sisters encourage us to rely on God’s power and presence?
Exodus 17:14-16
- Why was it important for Israel to remember what God had done on their behalf?
- In our modern culture, we probably don’t think of a banner as something that protects us from harm. What is an object you rely on to protect you that could symbolize how God is your protection?
- How have you seen God limit or prevent harm that was meant for you?
Member Extra
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Video
Here’s a brief video giving you an overview of this session: God Is … Session 3
Is the video link supposed to be directing us to log in to Ministry Grid? I don’t have a Lifeway account, and it didn’t previously require a login for access the the videos. This has been happening for the past 3 weeks.
The Ministry Grid folks have added a log-in step. There is no fee/cost involved and they do not require anything other than an email log-in.
Thank you for providing the lessons. Where will I find the video “Psalm 91”??
My apologies. We failed to get it uploaded in time. The video is now there.
Page 43 for session 3 stays show the Psalm 91 video. “Go to BiblestudiesforLife/Com/Adultextra and click on the Leader extra for todays session.l I have looked all over this section and searched. but I do not find anything about Psalm 91. When these tips are in the leaders guide is there anyway to make the Link to videos have the same name as what is on the web. I am not very good on computers and never seem to find any of these extras.
My apologies. We failed to get it uploaded in time. The video is now there.
I enjoyed your videos very much, but I don’t want to log in to watch them.
The Ministry Grid folks have added a log-in step. There is no fee/cost involved and they do not require anything other than an email log-in.
Good lesson with excellent discussion points and questions. Thank you.
The Leader Guide mentions a “Psalm 91” video that is supposed to be downloaded from this page. Has it been removed?
My apologies. We failed to get it uploaded in time. The video is now there.