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?