Our Garden of Identity 2

Key Points

1.  The Garden of Eden:

      - Adam and Eve were created in God's image, giving them a divine identity and a purpose-driven responsibility to care for the garden.

      - Satan's deception involved a mix of truth and lies, preying on their lack of knowledge of God's Word.

      - Obedience to God's simple commands is key to knowing His will and maintaining our identity.

      - Losing their identity led to the loss of their dominion and a life of toil.

2.  The Garden of Gethsemane:

      - This is a garden of adversity and commitment. Jesus' prayer, 'not my will, but yours be done,' demonstrates a surrender of personal will to God's purpose.

      - True commitment comes with a cost and leads to victory. Jesus' victory over death started with this prayer.

3.  The Garden of Oppression:

      - The story of the captive Israelite girl serving a Syrian general (Naaman) illustrates that even in oppression, one's identity as a child of God is not lost.

      - This girl's faith and courage to speak about her God led to her master's healing, showing that God can be glorified in any circumstance.

      - Insecure people are those who struggle to celebrate the prosperity of others, as they find their identity in possessions rather than in Christ.

4.  Fruits and Identity:

      - Matthew 7:20 says, 'by their fruit you will recognize them.' Our identity is known by the fruit we bear.

      - It is crucial to remove anything in our lives that is not of God to avoid being trapped by sin.

5.  Tithing:

      - Tithe is the 'first fruit,' not leftovers after expenses. The first 10% belongs to God.

      - Living on 90% with God's blessing is better than living on 100% without it.

6.  Personal Battles:

      - Winning personal spiritual battles is essential before facing larger 'Goliaths.'

      - We must guard our identity, as even those with a strong calling, like King David, can fall if they are not vigilant.

7.  Little by Little:

      - God gives victory 'little by little' to strengthen us and prepare us to take possession of the land. This is a form of protection.

      - Avoid making covenants with things that are not of God, as this will lead to a trap and judgment.