Now this is something I would love the answer to. In reading Hebrews 6, the first doctrine of Christ is “Repentance from dead works”. So the question that follows is: What exactly are these? The term is used only in Hebrews in this exact turn of phrase (see also Hebrews 9). I am beginning to suspect that anything that bears no fruit for the Kingdom of God is what these refer to. The parable of the two sons who were asked by their father to go out to work in the fields.

Matthew 21:28-40(KJV)
“28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.”

I think I was sucked into the idea that sin was something you did that was bad. I have changed my thoughts though. I know believe that sin, in the very core of what it means, is simply not being obedient to God. This includes those promptings like “I should really eat better/healthier foods” as you dive into another “big mac” and eat it anyways. Or thoughts like, “Oh, I don’t think God would like this movie… but I don’t want to make a scene by getting up and leaving midway through”… The variations are vast and come in a plethora of colours and tones. The worst ones to spot are the ones that seem godly, but really are all form and pomp with no heart or leading in them. Sometimes it is simply choosing to serve in the area of the church that you enjoy, instead of the area in which God called you too. Without the Word and discerning of the Holy Spirit, the flesh drives so strongly that it becomes impossible to follow the gentle leading of the Spirit.  Once again I can thank God that the answer is Jesus Christ and that I can make some choices that will “let” Him do everything for me if I am willing to do the “completely doable right now for me today in whatever state I happen to be in ” part.   A few scriptures to start as I have a feeling this is going to be one of those ongoing revelations.

Psalm 119:11 “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Once we are saved, we can “let the Spirit renew our thoughts and attitudes” Ephesians 4:23

2 Corinthians 7:1 (NLT)
“7 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God.”