THE GOD WHO REMOVES THE GARMENT OF SLAVERY
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Zechariah 3:1-5
Key Verse: “Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” — Zechariah 3:4 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Exodus 3:7-10; Isaiah 61:10; Luke 15:22; Galatians 5:1; Romans 8:15
INTRODUCTION:
Slavery in the Bible was not just a physical condition but a spiritual state of bondage to sin, fear, and oppression. The “garment of slavery” symbolises a life of captivity, where a person is identified by shame, guilt, and limitation. But our God is a deliverer; He removes every garment that ties us to our past and clothes us with dignity and freedom.
In Zechariah 3, Joshua the high priest stood before God clothed in filthy garments, a symbol of sin and condemnation. Yet God, in His mercy, commanded those garments to be removed and replaced with new ones. This act represents divine forgiveness and restoration; the total removal of every label of slavery from a believer’s life.
Today, many believers still wear invisible garments of defeat, failure, addiction, or fear. But God is still in the business of exchanging those garments for the robe of righteousness and freedom. When God removes your garment of slavery, He restores your honour, changes your identity, and empowers you to walk in liberty and purpose.
1. GOD DOES NOT DESIRE HIS CHILDREN TO REMAIN IN BONDAGE
God never intended His people to live as slaves to sin, fear, or oppression. His desire is to bring His children into total freedom and restoration.
a) God hears the cry of the oppressed (Exodus 3:7)
God is not indifferent to suffering; He sees, hears, and intervenes to bring deliverance.
b) Slavery represents a life outside divine purpose (Romans 6:16)
When we submit to sin or fear, we lose the freedom that comes through obedience to God.
c) Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18)
The mission of Christ is to destroy the works of bondage and proclaim liberty to all who believe.
d) Believers are called to walk in liberty (Galatians 5:1)
True freedom in Christ means no longer being entangled with the yoke of bondage.
Biblical Example: God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery to make them a free nation under His covenant (Exodus 6:6-7).
2. THE GARMENT OF SLAVERY REPRESENTS SHAME AND LIMITATION
The enemy uses the garment of slavery to cover people with guilt, fear, and reproach, keeping them from fulfilling their destiny.
a) Garments represent spiritual identity (Genesis 37:3)
Joseph’s coat of many colours represented his father’s favour; likewise, the devil uses filthy garments to represent rejection and shame.
b) Filthy garments attract accusation (Zechariah 3:1-3)
Satan stands to accuse believers clothed in sin, but God’s mercy intervenes to silence him.
c) The garment of slavery hinders progress (Judges 6:11-12)
Gideon hid from his enemies because of fear, a form of spiritual bondage.
d) God’s people must not remain in the attire of bondage (Isaiah 52:1-2)
God commands Zion to shake off the dust and remove the chains of captivity.
Biblical Example: The prodigal son returned in rags, but his father clothed him with the best robe to restore his honour (Luke 15:22).
3. GOD REMOVES AND REPLACES FILTHY GARMENTS WITH GLORY
When God delivers you, He doesn’t leave you naked; He replaces your shame with garments of beauty, righteousness, and power.
a) God removes the past and gives a new beginning (Isaiah 43:18-19)
Old failures are erased when God steps in to restore your life.
b) God clothes His people with salvation and righteousness (Isaiah 61:10)
The robe of righteousness signifies divine acceptance and transformation.
c) God restores lost identity and dignity (Genesis 41:42)
Joseph’s prison clothes were replaced with royal garments; a symbol of divine elevation.
d) Divine replacement brings spiritual authority (Zechariah 3:5)
When God clothes you anew, He restores your authority and favour before heaven and earth.
Biblical Example: Mordecai was clothed in royal apparel after being lifted by divine favour (Esther 6:10-11).
4. HOW TO EXPERIENCE THE REMOVAL OF THE GARMENT OF SLAVERY
God’s deliverance is available to all, but it must be received through faith, repentance, and obedience to His Word.
a) Surrender completely to God (Romans 12:1-2)
Freedom begins when you yield your life and will to God’s authority.
b) Renounce every work of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)
Break every connection to sin and spiritual bondage that keeps you enslaved.
c) Embrace the truth of God’s Word (John 8:32)
The truth of Scripture exposes the lies that keep believers in captivity.
d) Walk in the newness of life (2 Corinthians 5:17)
When God changes your garment, you must live daily in the consciousness of your new identity.
Biblical Example: Lazarus came out of the tomb bound in grave clothes, and Jesus commanded that they be removed, symbolising deliverance from bondage (John 11:44).
CONCLUSION:
The God who removes the garment of slavery is still working today. He is the God of mercy who breaks every yoke and restores dignity to His people. When God removes your filthy garments, your story changes; shame gives way to glory, defeat turns to victory, and captivity becomes freedom.
Therefore, rise up and cast off every garment of sin, fear, and failure. Put on the robe of righteousness and embrace the liberty Christ has given. You are no longer a slave but a child of the King, called to live in freedom, purpose, and divine favour.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord, for the freedom and righteousness You have given me in Christ.
2. Father, remove every garment of shame and reproach from my life.
3. Every garment of sin and guilt weighing me down, be destroyed by the blood of Jesus.
4. Lord, clothe me with the robe of righteousness and honour.
5. Every identity of slavery attached to my name, be erased permanently.
6. O Lord, restore my lost glory and dignity by Your mercy.
7. Let every chain of bondage in my life be broken in the name of Jesus.
8. Father, help me to walk daily in the liberty of the Spirit.
9. Let every accusation of the enemy against me be silenced forever.
10. Lord, change my garment and showcase Your glory in my life.
