UNASHAMED IN CHRIST: WALKING IN HOLINESS AND FREEDOM FROM SIN By: Major Frank Materu
Key Scripture: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” — Romans 8:1 (KJV)
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Introduction
In the beginning, when God created man and woman, He clothed them not in garments of fabric but in the glory of His presence. Adam and Eve lived in perfect innocence, without shame or guilt, because sin had not yet entered into the world. “And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed” (Genesis 2:25). Their nakedness symbolized transparency, purity, and harmony with God. However, once they listened to the serpent and partook of the forbidden fruit, everything changed. Sin brought separation, shame, and fear. “Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons” (Genesis 3:7).
Since that moment, humanity has struggled with the devastating effects of sin—spiritual death, guilt, alienation, and the loss of divine intimacy. But through Jesus Christ, the second Adam, the way back to holiness, purity, and freedom from shame has been restored. The call of God today is for His people to live unashamed—not because they justify sin, but because they have been washed, redeemed, and renewed by the blood of the Lamb.
This lesson explores the meaning of living “unashamed in Christ”, the dangers of yielding to sin and demonic deception, the consequences of rebellion, and the blessings of walking in holiness and gratitude. It is a divine reminder that sin enslaves, but Christ sets free. Every believer must choose daily whether to live under the influence of darkness or in the glorious liberty of the Spirit.
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The Origin of Shame and the Entrance of Sin
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve’s disobedience marked humanity’s first rebellion against divine order. Before sin, they lived in pure communion with God. But once they chose to believe the serpent’s lie, shame entered their consciousness. This shame was not merely physical but spiritual—a realization of their fallen nature. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
God’s intention was never that His creation should live under the bondage of guilt or fear. He desired that His people would walk uprightly and joyfully before Him. Sin corrupted that design, distorting the relationship between God and man. Shame became the fruit of disobedience, and humanity began to hide from the One who had given them life. “And Adam said, I heard Thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Genesis 3:10).
In our time, many still live in that same hiding—ashamed, afraid, and separated from God. But Christ came to restore what was lost, to remove the fig leaves of self-righteousness, and to clothe us with the garments of salvation. “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord… for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10).
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The Rise of Evil and the Deception of Demons
We live in perilous times where evil has multiplied, and rebellion has become common. “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come” (2 Timothy 3:1). The forces of darkness have deceived multitudes, drawing men and women into spiritual blindness. Demons whisper lies that make sin appear desirable and rebellion seem liberating. Yet the end of such deception is destruction.
The message of God is clear: those who reject His truth and yield to demonic influences bring shame upon themselves. They are defiled, lacking peace, and are guided by the spirit of destruction rather than the Spirit of Truth. “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work” (James 3:16).
Many are tormented not because God has forsaken them, but because they have forsaken God. Their souls are restless, their minds confused, and their ways filled with misery. This torment is a direct consequence of giving demons legal access through persistent sin. “When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15).
It was never God’s plan that people should live under such torment. His desire is for all to be delivered, to walk in peace, and to experience the joy of righteousness. Yet the world has chosen darkness rather than light, destruction rather than deliverance.
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The Tragedy of Separation from God
Sin not only brings guilt but also separation from the presence of God. “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you” (Isaiah 59:2). Humanity’s greatest misery stems from this estrangement. Without divine fellowship, man is empty, wandering aimlessly and seeking fulfillment in idols that cannot save.
In every generation, idolatry has taken different forms—whether worship of material wealth, power, pleasure, or the idol of self. Yet all idols share the same outcome: spiritual death. “They that make them are like unto them; so is everyone that trusteth in them” (Psalm 115:8).
Even those who once knew God can fall into idolatry if they turn away from His truth. The message warns that some have known the way of righteousness but have chosen to wallow again in sin. This willful rebellion invites divine wrath and leads to the loss of peace, purpose, and divine covering.
God did not create mankind to be degraded and destroyed. Such conditions are the direct work of Satan, who came only “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). Yet even in judgment, God’s mercy remains. His hand is extended to the repentant, offering forgiveness, cleansing, and restoration.
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The Power of God’s Mercy and the Path to Restoration
Every believer must learn to thank God for His unending mercies. “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23). Despite our failings, God continually calls us back to Himself. His mercy is not a license to sin but an invitation to holiness.
Through His mercy, we are guided into the path of righteousness. When one accepts Christ, shame is replaced with joy, guilt with peace, and condemnation with forgiveness. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
As recipients of mercy, we are commanded to walk in obedience and to forsake the sins of our former lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live victoriously over temptation. He gives us discernment, direction, and strength. The believer who walks in obedience finds delight in serving God and experiences the unashamed confidence of divine acceptance.
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The Curse and Consequences of Sin
Sin always brings consequences—spiritual, emotional, and physical. Those who persist in sin invite curses not only upon themselves but upon their descendants. “Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me” (Exodus 20:5).
Idolatry and rebellion open doors for demonic affliction, premature death, and eternal damnation. Many who exalt themselves as gods of their own lives fall into the trap of pride—the very sin that caused Lucifer’s fall. “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18).
Such individuals are described as spiritual wanderers, always searching but never finding satisfaction. They live in perpetual frustration because they have rejected the truth. Their pride blinds them, and their sins enslave them. Though they may seek enlightenment through worldly philosophies, they remain in darkness because true light can only be found in Christ.
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Living Unashamed Through Obedience and Gratitude
The mark of a true believer is obedience born of gratitude. The one who has been redeemed knows the value of grace and chooses to walk humbly before the Lord. To live unashamed means to walk each day with a clear conscience before God and man. “And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men” (Acts 24:16).
Obedience is not a burden but a blessing. It is the key to divine direction, spiritual stability, and inner peace. As believers yield to the Holy Spirit, they receive divine guidance and are kept from the traps of the enemy. God calls His people to live in the attitude of gratitude, serving Him joyfully and walking in righteousness daily.
Those who walk in the Spirit experience freedom from shame because they no longer live under the condemnation of sin. They are clothed in righteousness, filled with peace, and empowered to shine as lights in a dark world.
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Summary
This lesson reveals that shame entered the world through sin, but Christ has provided freedom through redemption. The enemy continues to deceive people into rebellion, pride, and idolatry, leading them to destruction. However, God’s mercy remains open to all who repent. Every believer is called to walk in holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit, living unashamed and grateful for God’s forgiveness. The life of obedience brings peace, while the life of rebellion brings torment.
The central message is clear: to live unashamed in Christ is to walk in righteousness, gratitude, and the continual awareness of His mercy.
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Conclusion
God’s original intention for humanity was holiness, not shame; joy, not fear; fellowship, not separation. Through Christ Jesus, that divine order has been restored. The believer who yields fully to God’s Spirit walks in peace, victory, and purity. Sin no longer has dominion over such a one, for “if the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
The world may live in rebellion, but the righteous are called to stand unashamed, clothed in the garments of salvation. Every day presents a choice: to walk after the flesh or after the Spirit. Choose the path of righteousness, and your life will be a testimony of God’s redeeming grace.
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Call to Action
Today, examine your heart. Are you walking in obedience or rebellion? Have you allowed shame, sin, or pride to separate you from God? The Lord invites you to return. Lay down every idol, forsake every secret sin, and embrace the freedom found in Christ. Walk in the Spirit, live in gratitude, and serve God unashamedly. Let your life become a living example of His transforming grace.
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Final Word of Encouragement
Beloved, be encouraged to walk uprightly and joyfully in the presence of the Lord. Remember that you are not condemned; you are redeemed. Each day you are privileged to hear the voice of the Holy Spirit directing your steps. Serve the Lord with gladness, and never allow the enemy to burden you with guilt for sins that have been forgiven. You are unashamed because you are cleansed, renewed, and empowered to live victoriously in Christ Jesus.
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Salvation Prayer
Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for my sins and rose again for my justification. Lord Jesus, come into my heart, forgive me, cleanse me, and make me a new creation. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and teach me to walk in Your righteousness every day. I renounce all sin, pride, and idolatry, and I receive the gift of eternal life through faith in You. Thank You, Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
