Definition: For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to [her] husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:2. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling passage about our relationship with sin and temptation. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is talking about the struggle between good and bad – between wanting to follow God’s will (good) and wanting to do what we want (bad). It describes a situation where someone who has married is still bound by the rules and expectations of their marriage, even though the person themselves doesn't want to follow them. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth…” This part describes a regular, loving relationship – a marriage where both partners are committed to each other and following agreed-upon rules. Think of it like a partnership where everyone plays their part. “…but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of [her] husband.” This is the key point. When the husband dies – when he's gone – the "law" (which represents our sinful nature and desire to disobey God) becomes a burden for her. She’s no longer bound by its rules. So, what does this mean in practical terms? It means we all have a tendency to want things that go against God's will – things like: Greed: Wanting more than we need Lust: Desire for something outside of love and marriage Envy: Resentment of what others have Pride: Feeling superior or arrogant These desires, when they become overwhelming, can lead us to disobey God’s commands. And the verse says that when we're not with someone who loves us and keeps us aligned with God's will, those desires become a huge burden, causing pain and struggle. In short, it’s about our tendency to rebel against God, even when we don’t want to. Why is this important? Paul wrote this in the context of his own struggles with temptation and desire. He was wrestling with his own sinful nature! This verse reminds us that we are constantly fighting a battle within ourselves – a battle between our desires and God's will. Does this mean we’re automatically doomed to sin? No, not necessarily. The verse isn’t about our fate . It’s about recognizing the temptation before it happens. It's a warning to be aware of these tendencies and to actively choose to follow God’s path. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give some examples of how this principle applies to everyday life? Talk about the concept of "repentance" (turning away from sin)?

Definition: Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:20. It's a really important and often challenging passage about our relationship with temptation and evil. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What the Verse Says: “Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.” Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Now if I do that I would not…” – This sets up a contrast. The speaker is talking about doing something, but they're saying they wouldn't . It’s like saying "I wouldn’t usually do this." “…it is no more I that do it…” - This is the core of the verse. It means you – the person reading this – aren't doing it. You’re not actively choosing to sin. “but sin that dwelleth in me.” - This is where the real struggle comes in. “Sin” refers to temptation, wrongdoing, and disobedience to God’s will. "That dwelleth in me" means that this tendency towards sin lives inside of you . It's a persistent voice or feeling that pushes you towards bad choices. So, what does it all mean? It means we all have a part of us – our desires, our weaknesses, and our impulses – that often leads us to do wrong. We’re human beings, and we are prone to temptation. This verse is saying that we are constantly battling this inner struggle against God's goodness and will. Why is this important? The Bible says, “Our sinful nature is part of us.” (Romans 7:23). This verse is a reminder that we don’t have all the control over our lives. We are constantly falling short of God's perfect plan for us. In essence, this verse is a warning about our tendency to rebel against God and encourages us to turn away from temptation. It’s a call to surrender to God’s grace and seek His guidance instead of relying on your own strength to resist evil. Does that make sense? Do you want me to go into more detail about any particular aspect of this verse, like its connection to our fallen nature or how we can overcome it?

Definition: I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:21 – it's a really important and often confusing one. Here’s the explanation in simple terms: Basically, it means we have a struggle between our desire to do good and our tendency to want to do bad. Here’s a breakdown of what each part signifies: “I find then a law…” – This is key! “Law” in this context doesn't mean a strict set of rules like in a legal system. It means something internal , a compulsion, a temptation that’s pulling us towards our weakness. It's like an invisible force guiding us towards choices we know are wrong. “…that, when I would do good…” – This is what we want to do. We have a desire to be kind, helpful, righteous, and make the right choice. It’s our natural inclination. “evil is present with me.” - This is the crucial part. The temptation to do bad – selfishness, pride, anger, wanting to hurt others – is actually present inside of us . It's a constant battle between what we should do and what we want to do. So, what does this all mean in practice? It means we’re constantly fighting against our own nature. We have that little voice inside us whispering "do this," and the louder part of our mind is saying "don't do that." This internal struggle is what causes us to sin and make choices that go against God’s will. Why is this important? Paul wrote about this in Romans 7, and it highlights a fundamental problem in humanity: we are inherently flawed. We have a tendency to fall back into our old ways – the things that tempt us to do wrong – even when we know they’re wrong. This verse points out that we’re not truly free to choose good; we're always battling against it. In short, Romans 7:21 is a warning about the internal battle we fight with our own desires and impulses, and it emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s grace and allowing Him to win. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse from Romans? Discuss the significance of this passage in more detail?

Definition: For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from Romans 7:22. It's a really thought-provoking one that speaks to our struggle with sin and our desire for things we shouldn’t have. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, the verse says: “I enjoy or pleased in the rules and teachings of God after my heart and mind are changed.” Let's unpack that a bit more: “I delight…” – This isn’t about liking something superficially. It means experiencing a deep, satisfying joy and happiness when we follow God’s path. It’s a feeling of contentment and peace when we align with what God wants us to do. “…in the law of God” – The “law” in this context refers to God's commandments or rules – the moral code that tells us how to live righteously. It’s essentially all the things God has told us to do, like being honest, kind, and just. “after the inward man” – This is the crucial part. It means inside our hearts and minds. We’re not talking about following a rule because we want it; we're talking about a deep, internal change that happens when we truly understand God’s will. So, what does this mean in practical terms? It means that even though we want to disobey God (because we have weaknesses and temptations), our own desires and thoughts often lead us to sin and turn away from Him. We're constantly battling against the temptation to do wrong – it’s a persistent struggle. Why is this important? Paul uses this verse to explain why he was imprisoned and facing hardship. He recognized that he enjoyed the law, which meant he was actively choosing to disobey God! It highlights our inherent tendency to want things we aren't supposed to have – we’re wired for temptation. In short: The verse is saying that because we are changed by God within ourselves, we actually prefer following His laws and living a righteous life. It's about overcoming our sinful nature! --- Resources if you want to delve deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/21-Romans-7](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/21-Romans-7) - This page has explanations and commentary on the verse. Faithful Conversations: [https://faithfulconversations.com/romans-7-22/](https://faithfulconversations.com/romans-7-22/) – This resource provides a good overview of the verse’s meaning and significance. Do you want me to: Explain it in a different way? Discuss its connection to other parts of the Bible? Talk about how this verse relates to our daily lives?

Definition: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this difficult passage from Romans 7:23. It’s a really profound idea about our struggle with temptation and choosing good over evil. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse describes a conflict within us – a battle between two powerful forces that are constantly trying to pull us away from God's will. Let’s unpack those forces: “Another law in my members…” - This isn’t just about one rule; it’s about all the choices and desires we have within ourselves. Think of it as a whole collection of temptations, impulses, and wants that are constantly vying for our attention. It's like having multiple sides to your personality where one side is tempting you towards something bad. “…warring against the law of my mind…” – This is key! "Law of my mind" means our thoughts, desires, and judgments. Our minds are often clouded by things like anger, jealousy, pride, or fear - these are the things that tempt us to do wrong. These thoughts are actively fighting against God’s instruction. "...bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members." – This is where it gets really serious. “Captivity” means being held back or controlled by something. "Law of sin" refers to temptation, sinful desires, and the things that are against God’s will. “In my members” means inside our bodies, specifically within our minds and hearts. It's these internal struggles that are constantly pushing us away from God. So, putting it all together: We have a constant battle going on inside ourselves – a war between what we want to do (our sinful desires) and what we should want to do (God’s will). Our thoughts and desires are constantly trying to pull us away from that good desire. What does it mean for us? This verse is a reminder that we are all susceptible to temptation. We all have weaknesses and desires that can lead us astray. It's a constant struggle! The big takeaway: We are not perfect, and we don’t always make the right choices. We always fall short of God's will. This verse is about acknowledging this reality and recognizing that we need to actively fight against our sinful nature. In short, it’s a call to surrender control and turn back to God. --- Resources if you want to delve deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Romans/7:23](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/verses/Romans/7:23) Desiring God Website: [https://discerninggod.org/7-23/](https://discerninggod.org/7-23/) Would you like me to explain any of these concepts in more detail, or perhaps explore a specific aspect of this verse?

Definition: O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly poignant verse from Romans 7:24. It's a really powerful and difficult one, and it speaks to a deep struggle within us. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about despair and the feeling of being trapped by our sinful desires. The speaker (who’s essentially referring to us all) feels utterly hopeless because they're struggling with temptation and the power of sin. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “O wretched man that I am!” – This isn’t a boastful statement, but rather a raw expression of pain and shame. It acknowledges that we are deeply troubled and unhappy. “who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” – This is the crucial part. The “body” represents our physical body and what we do in this life. The word "death" isn’t just literal death; it refers to spiritual death – the loss of our relationship with God and the possibility of eternal separation from Him. It's a state of being lost, abandoned, and unable to find peace. So, what does it mean practically? It means that we always have a choice between good and evil. We’re constantly tempted to do wrong – to crave things we shouldn’t, to act selfishly, to disobey God. And yet, we want to do those things! We are battling this internal struggle every single day. The theological significance: This verse is a reflection of the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis. They were given free will – the ability to choose between good and evil – but they chose to disobey God, leading to their expulsion from paradise and their subsequent separation from God. Romans 7:24 reminds us that we are still in this cycle of temptation and falling away from God. In short, it’s a warning about our tendency to rebel against God and the potential for eternal suffering if we don't overcome this struggle. It highlights the importance of faith and repentance – seeking forgiveness and turning away from sin. --- Resources that might help you understand further: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/135/172](https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/135/172) - This provides translations and context for the verse. The Bible Project: [https://thebibleproject.com/romans-7-24/](https://thebibleproject.com/romans-7-24/) - Offers a visual explanation and deeper insight into the meaning of this passage. Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like to know: How it relates to our everyday lives? What does "deliver me" mean in a practical sense?

Definition: I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Romans 7:25 together. It’s a really important and complex verse that speaks to a struggle within us – our desire for good things versus our tendency to do bad things. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “I'm thanking God through Jesus Christ, but I don’t want to obey the rules of God. In fact, my own desires and feelings are often drawn to doing wrong or being selfish.” Let's unpack that a little further: “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord…” – This is acknowledging that we are giving thanks to God because of Jesus’ sacrifice and example. It’s recognizing that God wants us to follow him. “…So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God…” – This means we are trying to live according to what God tells us, like following his rules or principles. We're actively choosing to do right and good. “but with the flesh the law of sin.” – This is the crucial part! This is where it gets tricky. "The flesh" refers to our physical body and all its desires and impulses - our ego, our cravings for pleasure, our anger, etc. “The law of sin” represents the bad thoughts, temptations, and behaviors that pull us away from God’s will – things like greed, envy, lust, pride, and harmful actions. Putting it all together: The verse is about internal conflict . We have a desire to do good and follow God, but our own desires and impulses are constantly tempting us to sin (do wrong) because that's what we feel in our hearts. It’s like having a battle going on inside your mind between your good intentions and your sinful urges. Why is this important? Romans 7:25 warns us about the danger of resisting God completely. We often fall short, making mistakes, and being tempted to do things we know are wrong. This verse reminds us that we need God’s help to overcome these temptations and truly live a life pleasing to him. In essence, it's a call to surrender our own desires and focus on God’s will, even when we struggle. Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Give you some practical examples of how this struggle plays out in everyday life? Compare it to another Bible passage that deals with temptation?