Definition: Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:1. It's a really important and somewhat challenging passage about temptation and our relationship with sin. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that our sinful nature – our tendency to disobey God – has power over us, even when we’re alive. It’s like a constant battle between good and bad impulses within us. Let's unpack it word by word: “Romans 7:1” : This tells us where the verse is coming from - Romans, a book in the New Testament of Christianity. “Know ye not…” : This is a call to remembrance – it’s asking if someone understands this truth. It's addressing those who are familiar with God’s law (the rules and commandments given to us by God). “for I speak to them that know the law” : This clarifies who the verse is talking about. It’s not a general message; it’s specifically addressed to believers – people who have been taught and guided by God's word. “how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?” : This is the core of the message. Let's break down what this means: "The law hath dominion..." : The law – those rules and commandments given by God – has power over us. It’s not just about following what we’re told, but how we should live our lives. "...over a man as long as he liveth?" : This is the key part. The law doesn't disappear when we die. It continues to influence and control us right now , even when we're alive and making choices. It’s like a persistent shadow that can pull us away from God. In simpler terms, it means: We all have a tendency to do wrong – to disobey God’s will, to sin. This tendency isn't just a small feeling; it’s a powerful force that keeps pulling us towards temptation and disobedience. It’s a constant struggle within ourselves. What does this mean for us? It means we need Jesus! Because our nature is flawed, we need God's grace – His forgiveness and help – to overcome it. The verse encourages us to actively seek God’s will (to live according to his plan) and to turn away from temptation. Why does this matter? It’s a reminder that we are not perfect and that we need Jesus to help us grow into the kind of people He wants us to be. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Provide some examples of how this principle applies to our lives?

Definition: And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Romans 7:10. It's a really powerful and thought-provoking passage about our struggle with temptation and sin. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it means: This verse essentially says that we are constantly fighting against the very thing we desire. It’s like having a magnet pulling you towards something bad, even when you know it's wrong. Let’s unpack it word by word: “The commandment, which [was ordained] to life…” – This refers to God’s laws and rules. Think of them as the guidelines that tell us what is right and wrong. These are things like “Don’t steal,” “Be honest,” "Love your neighbor." “…I found [to be] unto death.” – This is the key part. It means that the very thing we desire, the temptation to sin, has already claimed our life! It's not just a fleeting thought or a small moment of weakness; it’s a deep-seated longing for something that ultimately leads to destruction and despair. So, what does this mean practically? It means we all have an inner voice or tendency towards sin. We want to disobey God, to do wrong, to be selfish, etc. And the verse says that this desire is already winning, even though we are constantly trying to resist it. Why is this important? Paul uses this imagery to describe our condition before his conversion. He was a Pharisee – someone who followed the law perfectly - and he saw how much he struggled against God's will. This verse highlights that we are all capable of sin , and we always need Jesus’ help to overcome it. In short, Romans 7:10 is a profound statement about our fallen nature – a constant battle between good and evil within us. --- To help me explain this further and tailor it to your needs, could you tell me: What are you hoping to understand from this verse? (Are you struggling with temptation? Do you want a deeper understanding of the concept of sin?)

Definition: For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important passage from Romans 7:11. It's a pretty heavy one, so we’ll go through it step-by-step: Here's what it means in simpler terms: “For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].” This is essentially saying: I was tricked – or misled – by temptation and evil. Let’s unpack that a little further: “Sin” : Sin refers to any wrongdoing – anything that goes against God's will. It can be anything we do that isn’t right, like lying, stealing, or being selfish. “Taking occasion by the commandment” : This is a clever way of saying “by the law.” The "commandment" is a rule set by God – things he told us to do. The Bible says that sin often comes because we follow those rules, even when we don’t fully understand them. It's like a temptation that whispers into our ears and tries to lead us astray. “Deceived me” : This means that the temptation (the command) tricked me – I was misled by it. I wasn't really thinking clearly, or understanding what was right. “Slew [me]” : This is the most impactful part. "Slew" means to kill or destroy. It’s a metaphorical way of saying that sin killed my own will – my desire to follow God and do good. It's like my own desires were crushed by temptation. In short, the verse is telling us that we are constantly battling our own sinful nature. We have a tendency to disobey God, and this verse highlights how often that happens. What does this mean for us ? It means we're in a constant struggle against temptation. We all fall short of God’s will sometimes – it’s normal! But the verse is a warning: we need to actively fight against these temptations and make choices that honor God. Important Note: This passage is about our human nature, not about God's perfect nature. It speaks to our struggle with sin. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? Relate it to a particular story or example?

Definition: Wherefore the law [is] holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:12 together. It's a really important one about our relationship with sin and God. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying that the idea of the law – and everything that comes with it – is fundamentally good and right. Let’s unpack that a little further: “The law…” This refers to the rules and guidelines set by God for how we should live. Think about things like not stealing, not lying, treating others with respect, etc. It was given to us by God as a guide for a righteous life. “…is holy…” This means that the law is dedicated to God and reflects His perfection. It’s a way for us to recognize and honor Him. “…the commandment holy…” This emphasizes that the laws themselves are important and must be followed. They're not just suggestions, they must be obeyed. “…and just…” This speaks to fairness and moral correctness – things that are right and good in principle. “…and good.” This is the key takeaway! The law isn’t about getting rewards or avoiding punishments; it's about being a right person, living a righteous life, and doing what God wants us to do. So, what does this mean for us? The verse highlights that we all have a tendency to want to rebel against God – to choose our own desires over His will. We're constantly tempted by sin and desire to follow our own impulses instead of obeying the laws of God. The verse essentially acknowledges that our nature is inclined towards disobedience. It’s saying we are already in a state of being “lost” or “dead” to God – we’ve been influenced by sin. We're fighting against God’s grace and love. In short, the verse acknowledges that the law is good, but we don’t want to follow it. It’s a powerful reminder of our need for God’s grace and help in overcoming temptation and living a life pleasing to Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with an example? Discuss the significance of this verse within the broader context of the Bible?

Definition: Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:13 together. It's a really thought-provoking and complex passage about our relationship with temptation and evil. Here’s a simplified explanation: Core Idea: The verse is essentially saying that we are constantly battling against good things – things we want to do but don’t want to do – and those things, by their very nature, lead us down a path of sin. It's like our own minds are fighting against God’s will. Let’s unpack it word-by-word: “Was then that which is good made death unto me?” This is the core question. The speaker is asking: "Is this good – love, happiness, peace – actually leading to a terrible outcome for me?" It's implying that things we desire can actually cause us harm and suffering. “God forbid.” This is a crucial part of the verse. It’s saying, “No! God does not want this to happen!” This emphasizes that our tendency towards evil is something God actively opposes. “But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.” This is where the explanation gets a little more complicated. Let's break down each part: "Sin, that it might appear sin..." This means that even though we consciously try to resist temptation, our desire for those things – good or bad – often leads us to do them anyway. We’re tricked into thinking we’re choosing good when we’re really being swayed by something that's inherently flawed. "...by that which is good..." This refers to the desires, impulses, and temptations within us – things like wanting to eat unhealthy food, be angry, or do something immoral. "...working death in me..." This is the key metaphor. "Death" isn’t literal; it represents spiritual death - a loss of our relationship with God and the life that was meant for us. It means we become enslaved to these desires. "...that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful." This suggests that our tendency to follow sinful habits is worse than it would be without them. The Bible says that when we disobey God, we fall further away from Him and end up in a much deeper state of trouble. In simpler terms: The verse highlights the struggle within us – the constant battle between good and evil. We are inherently inclined to sin, and this verse warns us about the potential for that inclination to become overwhelming and destructive. It’s a reminder that true happiness and fulfillment come from living in accordance with God's will. Why is this important? It’s a sobering reminder of our own weaknesses and the importance of trusting in God’s grace to overcome temptation. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these concepts further? Give you a relatable example (like a specific temptation)?

Definition: For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Romans 7:14 together. It’s a really important and often confusing one! Here’s a simple explanation: What it Means: This verse essentially says that we are struggling with temptation and the desire to disobey God. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For we know…” – This means we understand this is happening. We’re aware of the problem. “…the law is spiritual:” "Spiritual" means related to something beyond just rules and regulations. It's about our hearts, our thoughts, and our will. The law was given to us by God to guide us – it’s a set of rules for how we should live. “…but I am carnal:” This is the tricky part. "Carnal" means “worldly” or “sensual.” It describes us as being tempted and driven by our wants, desires, and impulses, rather than being guided by God’s will. We're easily swayed by things that don’t lead to good. Think of it like a little temptation pulling at your attention. “sold under sin:” This means we were sold into the idea of doing wrong or disobeying God. We’ve been tricked, manipulated, or persuaded to want things that are against our true nature – which is God’s will for us. It's like a bargain with something that isn’t right. So, putting it all together: We understand the law (which is good), but we’re really being tempted and drawn towards sin. We’ve been tricked into wanting things that go against God’s plan for our lives. What does this mean for us? It means we have a battle within ourselves! We're constantly fighting against God’s guidance, even when we want to obey him. It’s a constant struggle. Important Note: This isn’t about never wanting something. It’s about the desire for something that goes against our true nature and what God wants us to do – which is to love and follow Him completely. In short, the verse acknowledges that we are imperfect beings who often struggle with temptation and want to rebel against God's guidance. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific aspect of this verse in more detail? (e.g., the connection to our sinful nature?) Give you some examples of temptations we all face? Talk about how this relates to modern life?

Definition: For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this powerful passage from Romans 7:15. It’s a really thought-provoking verse about our relationship with sin and temptation. Here’s a breakdown in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse essentially says that we often struggle against what we want to do, even when we know it's wrong. It’s like having a powerful desire inside us, but our own will often overrides it. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For that which I do I allow not…” – This is the core of the message. The person speaking (representing humanity) doesn't freely choose to do anything they want. They are resisting something they desire. “…for what I would, that do I not…” – This is a clever way of saying “I don’t want to do it.” Think about it: we often have desires – wanting a certain thing, feeling a certain way, or doing a specific task. But our own will often pulls us away from those desires. “…that do I not…” - This is the key part! The verse continues with "That do I not ..." meaning that we are consistently failing to follow what God tells us – the path of righteousness and love. We're constantly tempted by sin, and our desire to break from it often wins. “Romans 7:15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not…” - This is a repetition emphasizing the struggle. It’s a constant battle between our desires and God's will. What does this mean in practical terms? We all have weaknesses: We all have things we crave – maybe it's instant gratification, wanting to be admired, or indulging in unhealthy habits. Our desires often lead us astray: It’s easy to get drawn into things that aren't right for our soul – things that contradict God’s perfect plan for us. We are designed to follow God: This verse is a reminder of our true nature: we are created to love and obey God, not to sin. It’s about overcoming temptation: The whole passage isn't about feeling bad about ourselves; it's about acknowledging that we have this struggle. It’s a call to actively fight against the sinful desires that pull us away from God. It’s about choosing to follow God's guidance, even when it's difficult. In short, Romans 7:15 is a powerful reminder of our inherent tendency to choose wrong, and the importance of consistently striving for good. --- Would you like me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific example (like temptation or addiction)? Give you some practical ways to combat these struggles?

Definition: If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down Romans 7:16 – it’s a really important and thought-provoking passage. Here's an explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse speaks about our struggle with sin and choosing to disobey God. It essentially says that even when we want to do the opposite of what God wants, we actually do it . Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “If then I do that which I would not…” – This is a key part. It's talking about a choice we make. We want something, and we choose to do it. But our human nature (our desire for good) often leads us down the wrong path. “…I consent unto the law that [it] is good.” – This is where it gets deeper. “Good” in this context means what God wants for us – He wants us to love Him, obey Him, and live a righteous life. The word "consent" means willingly agree with something. So, we're saying, “I agree with the law that’s good.” Putting it all together: This verse describes our eternal struggle against temptation and disobedience. We want to rebel against God's will, and often, we do! It’s like a constant battle between our desires and what we know is right. Why is this important? Romans 7:16 highlights the reality of sin in our lives. It tells us that we are capable of choosing to disobey God, even when we want to do the opposite. This is why we need Jesus Christ – He paid the price for our sins and frees us from temptation! In short: Romans 7:16 means we’re fighting a constant battle against ourselves, and we’re allowed to choose to disobey God, even when we really want to do something different. It's a powerful reminder of our need for Jesus and His grace to help us overcome this struggle. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give a specific example of how this verse applies to your life?

Definition: Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 7:17 together. It’s a really important and somewhat unsettling part of the Bible. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is about our struggle with temptation and evil. It says that we – meaning us as humans – are often tempted to do things we know are wrong, and we’re actually causing those things to happen! Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Now then it is no more I that do…” - This isn't about someone else doing something. It’s about us – our own desires and impulses – being the ones who are leading us down a bad path. It’s acknowledging that we have a choice, but that choice often leads to trouble. “…but sin that dwelleth in me.” - This is the key part. “Sin” means wrongdoing, temptation, or disobedience. "Dwelleth" means lives within us – it's a persistent part of our nature. “In me” means inside us. So, what does this mean practically? It means we all have a tendency to want to do things that go against God’s will and goodness. We are constantly battling the temptation to sin – to disobey God, to be selfish, to be hurtful, etc. We want it, and often it wins! Why is this important? This verse is a key part of understanding our relationship with God. It’s telling us that we are not perfect, and that we are always falling short of what He wants for us. It’s acknowledging that we need to fight against evil within ourselves. In essence, Romans 7:17 is a reminder that we have a battle inside ourselves – a struggle with temptation. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse from Romans? Discuss the significance of this verse in relation to other parts of the Bible? Give you some practical ways to combat this internal struggle?

Definition: For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Romans 7:18. It’s a really important and often challenging passage about our relationship with sin and God. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: Core Idea: The verse essentially says that we are inherently flawed – we don’t naturally have good qualities or a desire to do what's right. We want to do good, but we just can't seem to do it. It’s like having a desire for a beautiful garden, but our hands just keep getting in the way. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing…” – This means we know we have a bad habit or inclination towards sin. We’re aware of our tendency to do wrong – to disobey God and be selfish. "Dwelleth" means "lives" or "exists." It's saying that the bad habit is inside us, within our own being. "...for to will is present with me..." - This is a crucial part. “Will” represents our desires, our wants, and our impulses – things we want to do. It’s the desire to disobey God, to sin, or to be selfish. It's constantly present in us. "...but [how] to perform that which is good I find not.” - This is where it gets really deep. "Perform that which is good" means actually doing good – obeying God, loving others, being faithful. But the verse says, "I find not." That's the problem! We consistently fail to do what’s right because we want it, and our desire for something else (often selfishness or temptation) wins. In a nutshell: We are perpetually struggling with our own desires, which are often against God's will. We possess the capacity to choose good, but we don't consistently do it. Why is this important? Romans 7:18 speaks about the struggle between our free will (the ability to choose) and our sinful nature. It’s a reminder that we are not perfect, and that we need God’s help to overcome our weaknesses and live a life pleasing to Him. --- Think of it this way: Imagine you have a really tempting snack – chocolate cake. You want to eat it, but your brain says "no!" It's a powerful desire, and you often give in because of that desire. This verse is about the same thing with our choices – we want to do what’s right, but our desires often sabotage us. Resources if you want to dig deeper: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/vescript/Romans%207:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/vescript/Romans%207:18) - This allows you to read the verse in multiple translations and see how it’s interpreted differently. Bible Study Websites: Many websites offer detailed explanations and commentaries on this passage. Do you want me to explain anything in more detail, perhaps relate it to a specific situation, or delve into a particular aspect of the verse?