Definition: For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Romans 7:19 together. It’s a really important one about our struggle with temptation and choosing right over wrong. Here's what it means in plain language: Think of it like this: "I want to do good, but I don't do it." Or, "I desire to follow God’s will, but I consistently choose the path that leads us away from that will." Let’s unpack it a bit more: “For the good that I would I do not…” This is saying that we have an internal desire – a longing for goodness, for righteousness, for happiness - within us. We want to be good, to do what's right. But our natural inclination, our sinful nature, constantly pulls us away from that goodness. "...but the evil which I would not, that I do." This is the key part! We know that doing something bad – lying, stealing, being selfish, etc. – is wrong and we don’t want to do it. But our mind, our thoughts, and sometimes even our bodies, consistently choose the path of evil. We're fighting against God’s will. In short, the verse is a declaration about our internal battle. We are constantly wrestling with temptation, and we often fail to fully embrace the good that we should be doing. It’s a reminder that we need Jesus’ help to overcome this struggle. Why is this important? This verse speaks to our fallen nature – our tendency to choose sin over obedience to God. It's a call to repentance and a plea for God’s grace and strength to change. --- Do you want me to: Explain it in more detail with an example? Give you a metaphorical explanation? Discuss its significance within the larger context of Romans 7?