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)?