From Dead Works to Living Faith
Repentance from dead works and faith toward God — Hebrews 6:1–2
Get a notebook as your First Principles journal. You do not need to copy the reflection questions into your notebook. Simply read each reflection on this page and write your answers, thoughts, prayers, and what God is showing you in your notebook.
Work through the reflections at your own pace. You may complete them in one week or spread them out over several weeks. Spend about 10–15 minutes with God for each reflection.
Reflection 1 – Change the Way You Think
Read: Romans 12:2
Reflect:
What is one area of my thinking that God may want to change?
Write:
What have I been believing or thinking that does not agree with God’s truth? What does God’s Word say instead?
Practice Today: Choose one truth from God’s Word to meditate on today. When the old way of thinking comes back, intentionally replace it with God’s truth.
Reflection 2 — Recognize Your Dead Works
Reflect: Think about the three types of dead works from the teaching:
Religious Works — Am I doing things to earn God’s approval?
Performative Works — Am I doing things to gain people’s approval or recognition?
Faithless Works — Am I depending on myself instead of trusting God?
Write: Which of these dead works do I recognize most in my life right now? Describe a specific example.
Practice Today: Before you act today, pause and ask: “Am I doing this from faith and relationship with God, or am I striving for approval or depending only on myself?”
Reflection 3 – Activity or Fruit?
Read: Luke 13:6–9
Reflect: Where in my life might there be a lot of activity, effort, or religious practice, but little spiritual fruit?
Write: What fruit do I believe God wants to produce in this area of my life?
Practice Today: Choose one area where you have been focused mainly on activity. Instead of simply doing more, ask God: “What fruit do You want to produce in me?”
Reflection 4 – From Striving to Abiding
Read: John 15:1–5
Reflect: Where am I striving in my own strength instead of depending on Christ?
Write: What would it look like for me to depend on Christ in this area instead of trying harder or controlling the outcome?
Practice Today: When you notice yourself striving today, pause and remind yourself:
“I am the branch. Jesus is the Vine. My life comes from Him.”
Then spend a few quiet moments consciously depending on Christ rather than immediately trying to fix or control the situation.
Reflection 5 – Practice Abiding
Read: John 15:7–10
Reflect: Think about the four ways of abiding from the teaching: remaining in Christ, in His Word, in obedience, and in His love. Which one is God drawing your attention to right now?
Write: What is one specific way I can practice abiding in Christ this week?
Practice Today: Choose one simple action:
Remain in Christ — Bring a situation to Jesus instead of relying only on yourself.
Remain in His Word — Meditate on one Scripture throughout the day.
Remain in Obedience — Act on something God has already shown you to do.
Remain in Love — Show Christ’s love to someone in a practical way.
Dead works strive. Faith abides. Abiding produces fruit.
Closing Reflection
Looking Back
Take a moment to look back over what God has shown you through these reflections.
What is one thing God has changed in the way I think?
What is one dead work I need to leave behind?
What is one way I will continue abiding in Christ?
Then finish with this declaration:
I turn from dead works.
I turn toward God.
I choose to abide in Christ and trust Him to produce fruit in my life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Discipleship isn’t meant to be practiced alone. Share what God is teaching you, encourage one another, and put what you’ve learned into practice.