15 Feb 2024

Journey to Easter – 40-Day Creative Lent Devotional – Day 2: Repent of Dead Works

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dead works

 

Day 2: Repent of Dead Works

Opening Prayer

opening prayer

God of mercy and grace, as we continue our Lenten journey of reflection and repentance, we come before You with grateful hearts. Thank You for the gift of Your Word that has the power to reveal the deepest truths within us. By Your Spirit, grant us understanding and humility to recognize where we rely on our own efforts instead of faith in You. Show us the fruitless deeds in our lives that lack life-giving power. Help us turn from dead works and instead place our whole trust in Christ, in whose name all things are made new. Strengthen us each day to walk in obedience and draw closer to You. We pray in the saving name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Reading and Reflection

repent of dead works

Scripture: Hebrews 6:1–3 KJV

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.

Reflection:

This passage encourages leaving the basic teachings in order to press on to maturity in Christ. It lists some foundational doctrines, including “repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God.” The author tells us not to lay this foundation again, but to build upon it. What then are these “dead works” we are called to repent from? The text implies they are works lacking faith, works that are spiritually fruitless. Dead works could refer to religious rituals and duties performed out of obligation or tradition rather than active faith, such as attending church without heartfelt worship, solely out of routine, giving money to the poor more for appearance than sacrificial giving from faith or reciting prayers by rote memory rather than communicating from faith. They may seem righteous on the outside but lack the lifeblood of true belief in God. It’s important to note that dead works don’t always mean someone lived a sinful life. It can mean a person’s faith in Christ just didn’t take root deep in their heart. Without faith, the living God isn’t present within us or in our actions. So even good things we do become lifeless. Faith is what connects us to God’s life and power so our deeds are not dead. In contrast, the passage also mentions “faith toward God.” This implies living, operative faith – faith that is reliant upon and directed toward God Himself. It is not superficial or nominal adherence, but vibrant trust in God and commitment to obeying Him. True Biblical faith is demonstrated in changed lives, good works and spiritual fruit. This Lenten season, may we examine our works and ways, distinguishing between dead routine and faith that is alive. Through repentance, may inward religiosity be replaced with vital relationship with Christ, strengthening our foundation for continued growth in knowing and serving Him. May our faith not be empty but efficacious through love for God and others.

Hymn:

Rock of Ages, Cleft For Me

1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee; Let the water and the blood, From Thy riven side which flowed, Be of sin the double cure, Save me from its guilt and power.

2. Not the labor of my hands Can fulfill Thy law’s demands; Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow, All could never sin erase, Thou must save, and save by grace

3. Nothing in my hands I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress, Helpless, look to Thee for grace: Foul, I to the fountain fly, Wash me, Savior, or I die.

4. While I draw this fleeting breath, When mine eyes shall close in death, When I soar to worlds unknown, See Thee on Thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me hide myself in Thee.

Lyrics: Augustus Montague Toplady, Music: Thomas Hastings

Creative Activities: 1. Scripture Writing

scripture writing   Write out Hebrews 6:1-3 in your best handwriting on the Scripture writing page which you can download below. Please download the Scripture Writing Page below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only. Commercial use not allowed.

Download Scripture Writing Page

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Creative Activities: 2. Bible Journaling

bible journaling

Look up Hebrews 6:1-3 in your Bible. You may choose to: Highlight the key phrases about “repentance from dead works” and “faith toward God” in your preferred color. In the margins, doodle images that represent turning away from futile efforts and trusting in Christ alone. Some ideas are breaking chains, flowers blooming from barren soil, or an outstretched hand lifting burdens. In your journal, rewrite the verse along with reflections on what dead works look like in your own life and how you can cultivate living faith each day. You may use stickers or your own illustrations. Take time to ponder how faith, not works, is the source of all life and meaning. Ask God to reveal any areas where you have relied on self-effort apart from Him. Commit to nourishing faith through reading His Word, prayer, and obedience to His leading this Lenten season.

Creative Activities: 3. Doodling

doodling

  Doodle images about faith versus works alone. You could draw a dry plant becoming green as roots drink living water. Or broken chains falling off arms that lift up to the sky. Let your drawings show how faith brings life and change, compared to trying in your own strength. Be creative picturing faith filling you instead of empty works. Commercial use not allowed.

Download Doodle Printable

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Creative Activities: 4. Journaling

journaling

  For your journal page, rewrite Hebrews 6:1-3. Underneath, list 1-3 areas of “dead works” you want to change. Bring your page to God in prayer, asking Him to replace dead routine with living faith directed toward Him. Please download the Journal Printable below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only. Commercial use not allowed.

Download Journal Printable

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Applying and Taking Action

applying and taking action

  This Lent, make a committed effort to live out what you have learned. Prayerfully choose one regular religious duty that has lost meaning through routine performance. It could be a form of worship, study, service or other spiritual discipline. Rather than continuing on autopilot, replace this dead work with a new faith-focused action. This could include worshiping through song, praying scripture aloud, serving others with compassion or daily journaling your reflections on God’s Word. Present your plan to an accountability partner and schedule check-ins. Having someone journey with you will help strengthen your resolve through accountability. Continue reflecting daily through thoughtful journaling, creative expression or conversation with God. As you walk by faith one day at a time, stay attuned to your heart attitude and reliance upon Christ alone. Don’t be discouraged by stumbles, but renewed in His grace and mercy. May this experience of confronting dead works and cultivating vibrant faith lead you to ongoing transformation as you seek to follow Jesus wholly through each new season.

Closing Prayer

closing prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for this time to reflect on our walk with You. Forgive us for times our faith has grown weak and routine has replaced relationship. Thank You for Your constant grace that meets us, no matter how far we’ve strayed. As we continue this Lenten journey, strengthen our resolve to replace dead works with living faith directed toward You alone. Help us to genuinely worship from our hearts, serve others for Your glory, and study Your truth with understanding. May our lives increasingly reflect the power of Your indwelling Spirit. Guide us moment by moment to simply trust in You, our refuge and hope. May the fire of our love for You and faith in Your promises burn bright each day. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

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