A New Garment

A NEW GARMENT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Zechariah 3:1-4

Key Verse: “And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him… Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” — Zechariah 3:4

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 61:10; Genesis 41:14; Luke 15:22; Revelation 19:8; Romans 13:14

INTRODUCTION

Throughout Scripture, garments symbolize identity, status, condition, and spiritual covering. What a person wears often represents who they are or what they carry spiritually. There are garments of shame, sorrow, affliction, and bondage but there are also garments of praise, righteousness, glory, and honor.

In Zechariah 3, Joshua the high priest stood before the Lord clothed in filthy garments. Those garments represented sin, accusation, and unworthiness. Yet God commanded that the filthy garments be removed and replaced with clean ones. This divine exchange reveals the heart of God—to remove what defiles and replace it with what dignifies.

Many believers today are still wearing old garments; garments of guilt, fear, rejection, stagnation, disappointment, or spiritual dryness. But God is declaring a season of divine exchange. He is ready to remove every garment that does not reflect His glory and clothe you anew.

1. IDENTIFY THE OLD GARMENT

Before receiving a new garment, you must recognize what needs to be removed.

a) Garments of sin and guilt (Isaiah 64:6)

Sin stains the soul and separates man from God.

b) Garments of shame and reproach (Psalm 44:15)

Past mistakes or public failure may cover a person in embarrassment.

c) Garments of sorrow and heaviness (Isaiah 61:3)

Prolonged affliction can wrap the heart in despair.

d) Garments of limitation and stagnation (Genesis 37:23)

Joseph’s coat was stripped from him, symbolizing a temporary loss of identity and favor.

Biblical Example:

Blind Bartimaeus cast away his garment before coming to Jesus (Mark 10:50). His garment represented his old identity as a beggar. He had to remove it to step into healing and restoration.

2. ACCEPT DIVINE CLEANSING

God removes filthy garments through forgiveness and redemption.

a) God initiates the change (Zechariah 3:4)

The Lord commanded the removal of Joshua’s filthy garments.

b) Confession brings cleansing (1 John 1:9)

Acknowledging sin opens the door for forgiveness.

c) Grace replaces condemnation (Romans 8:1)

There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

d) The blood of Christ purifies (Hebrews 9:14)

Spiritual cleansing is made possible through divine sacrifice.

Biblical Example:

The prodigal son returned home in rags (Luke 15:17-20), but his father commanded that the best robe be placed upon him (Luke 15:22), signifying restoration and acceptance.

3. RECEIVE THE NEW GARMENT

God does not leave you empty; He replaces what was lost with something better.

a) Garment of righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)

God clothes His people in salvation and righteousness.

b) Garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3)

He replaces heaviness with praise.

c) Garment of authority (Genesis 41:42)

Pharaoh clothed Joseph in fine linen, marking his elevation.

d) Garment of purity (Revelation 19:8)

The saints are clothed in clean and white linen, representing righteousness.

Biblical Example:

Joseph was brought out of prison, shaved, and given new garments before standing before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14). His change of garment preceded his elevation to rulership.

4. WALK WORTHY OF YOUR NEW GARMENT

Receiving a new garment requires maintaining the life that corresponds to it.

a) Put on Christ daily (Romans 13:14)

Live in a way that reflects your new identity.

b) Guard your spiritual purity (Ecclesiastes 9:8)

Let your garments always be white.

c) Avoid returning to old ways (2 Peter 2:22)

Do not return to the lifestyle God delivered you from.

d) Reflect God’s glory (Matthew 5:16)

Let your life shine so others see God’s transformation.

Biblical Example:

After Joshua received new garments, he was commissioned to walk in God’s ways (Zechariah 3:7), proving that new garments come with new responsibility.

CONCLUSION

God is in the business of divine exchange. He removes filthy garments and replaces them with garments of glory. No matter how stained, worn, or torn your spiritual clothing may seem, God has prepared a new garment for you.

Do not hold onto what God is trying to remove. Release the old identity, the shame, the guilt, and the sorrow. Accept His cleansing. Embrace His righteousness. Walk boldly in your new garment.

Your season of spiritual renewal has arrived. The old is gone; the new has come.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, remove every filthy garment from my life in Jesus name.

2. Lord, cleanse me from every stain of sin and guilt in Jesus name.

3. Father, clothe me with the garment of righteousness in Jesus name.

4. Lord, replace every sorrow with the garment of praise in Jesus name.

5. Father, remove garments of shame and reproach in Jesus name.

6. Lord, clothe me with honor and divine favor in Jesus name.