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?