Our Garden of Identity

Key Points

This sermon series is titled "Our Garden of Identity," and it begins by exploring the first identity crisis in the Garden of Eden. The core message is that God has placed each of us in a "garden" of purpose, and our identity in Christ is essential to fulfilling that purpose. The enemy's main strategy is to steal our identity through doubt and lies, which leads to disobedience and the loss of our God-given assignment.
 

The First Identity Crisis

 
  • Satan's Strategy: Half-truths and Doubt
    • The serpent's first question to Eve was a half-truth: "Did God really say you must not eat from any of the trees...?" God had only forbidden one tree, but the lie caused Eve to doubt God's goodness.
    • Eve added to the command by saying they couldn't even touch the tree, a rule God never gave. This highlights how easily we can add to God's word and create our own rules.
    • Satan's second lie was that God was withholding something good from them. He suggested that by eating the fruit, they would "be like God," knowing good and evil.
  • The Loss of Identity and Assignment
    • Adam and Eve were already made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). Satan's lie made them believe they were inferior and needed to "become" like God.
    • When they disobeyed, they lost their identity as God's children and their assignment to tend the garden. They were cast out of their perfect place.
    • The lesson is clear: when you lose your identity, you lose your assignment. The enemy's goal isn't just to make you sin, but to separate you from your purpose by causing you to doubt who you are in God.
 

You Are in a Garden Today

 
  • Finding Your Purpose: Just as Adam and Eve were placed in the Garden of Eden, God has placed you in a garden—your unique sphere of influence, family, work, and community—with a specific purpose.
  • The Danger of Disobedience: Deliberate, knowing disobedience is a sin that can cause you to lose your identity and assignment, just as Samson lost his anointing and became a prisoner of his own choices. You cannot live a dual life.
  • A Call to Return: The story of the prodigal son and Adam and Eve shows us that a loving Father is always waiting to restore us. When we confess our sin and return to God, He covers our nakedness (shame) and restores our identity. He does not expose us; He covers us.
 

Guarding Your Identity

 
  • Don't Believe the Lies: The enemy's voice of doubt and inferiority will tell you that you are a nobody and that God doesn't love you. Don't listen to him. Trust in God's faithfulness and promises.
  • Community is Crucial: Isolation is the enemy's playground. Being disconnected from other believers makes you vulnerable to lies and rebellion. Community and fellowship are essential for spiritual growth.
  • Know Your Mantle: Your identity as a child of God is your mantle of authority. It is more powerful than any earthly title or uniform. When you know who you are in Christ, you can speak life and overcome the enemy's plans.
  • God's Presence is Key: The Garden of Eden wasn't perfect, but God's presence made it so. The same is true for your life. Your home, your work, and your life are made perfect not by your circumstances, but by the presence of God. The question you must ask yourself is: "Where is God in my garden?"