You got dressed this morning. But did you remember to put on Christ?

What if the most important thing you put on each day isn’t something hanging in your closet, but the spiritual identity God has given you through Jesus Christ?

In today’s message, “Get Dressed,” Part 11 of the State of the Church — Romans Series, Pastor Dan Harrison explores Romans 13:8–14, challenging believers to examine what it means to put on Christ, leave behind their old identity, and experience spiritual transformation.

Romans 13:14 tells us:

“But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”

Pastor Dan begins with a simple question: Did you dress yourself for church today?

But he’s not talking about what we wear on Sunday mornings. He’s asking something much deeper:

Have you spiritually clothed yourself with Christ?

Through an illustration involving a jacket and a psychological study about how clothing influences behavior, Pastor Dan explains how what we wear can affect our mindset.

The spiritual connection is powerful: When we put on Christ, we begin to reflect His character.

But sometimes, before we can put on the new, we must first take off the old.

Drawing from Romans 13, Colossians 3, Ephesians 4, and 2 Corinthians 5:17, Pastor Dan identifies four areas where we may need to surrender our old identity:

1. Put Off Your Old Nature.
We cannot excuse sinful attitudes, selfish desires, or destructive behavior by saying, “That’s just who I am.” Jesus calls us to something greater.

2. Put Off the Pain of Your Past.
The words spoken over you and the experiences that wounded you don’t have to define your future. In Christ, you are a new creation.

3. Put Off Other People’s Expectations.
Your identity isn’t determined by popularity, approval, or meeting someone else’s expectations. Your Creator already knows you and loves you.

4. Put Off the False Identity You Project.
You don’t have to pretend to have everything together. God sees who you truly are, and the identity He offers is greater than anything you could manufacture.

So how do we put on Christ?

Spiritual transformation doesn’t begin with a checklist of religious responsibilities. It begins with a relationship.

The more time we spend with Jesus through Scripture, prayer, worship, and listening to the Holy Spirit, the more we begin to think like Him, love like Him, forgive like Him, and reflect His heart.

And that transformation changes how we approach our families, relationships, workplaces, and everyday decisions.

LEAN IN

As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share.

Ask God to speak directly to your heart through His Word. Invite the Holy Spirit to reveal anything you’ve been carrying that keeps you from embracing your new identity in Christ.

Are you holding on to who you used to be?

Are painful experiences or other people’s opinions defining your identity?

Have you become more focused on appearing like a Christian than becoming more like Christ?

God doesn’t simply want you to know about Jesus. He wants your life to reflect Him.

TODAY’S TAKEAWAY

Before you step into your day, take time to put on Christ.

Before checking social media or allowing the demands of life to shape your thoughts, spend time with the One who loves you most.

Open God’s Word. Talk with Him. Listen for His voice.

Ask Him to help you put off the old and embrace the new identity He’s given you.

Because the more time you spend with Jesus, the more your life will begin to look like His.

Don’t just talk about the gift of salvation. Put on Christ and live in the transformation He offers.