Definition: For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Romans 7:9. It's a really important and somewhat unsettling part of the Bible that speaks about our relationship with sin. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment when we were free from the rules of the law, but then, because of temptation and choices, we became tempted to sin . It's like being caught between two paths – one that leads to goodness and rightness, and another that leads to wrongness and temptation. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “For I was alive without the law…” This means we were before the law existed. The law was a set of rules given to us by God to guide our lives – things like being honest, keeping promises, etc. Before the law, we didn't have to worry about breaking those rules. “…but when the commandment came…” This is the key moment. The “commandment” refers to God’s instructions and laws. When God gave us the commandments, it was like a promise – a guarantee that we would follow his guidance. “Sin revived…” This means that because of the commandment, our desire to disobey it started to rise up again. It wasn't just a little bit of temptation; it became a powerful force. Our sinful nature - that tendency to choose wrong things – began to grow stronger. “…and I died.” This is the most profound part. "I died" means we lost our way . We didn’t have the power or ability to keep to God's will anymore. Our spirit was separated from God, and we were living a life that wasn't aligned with his plan for us. So, what does this mean for us? It means we all struggle with temptation and choices. We want to disobey God’s commands, even when we know it’s wrong. We have a tendency to sin, and that tendency has been allowed to grow within us. Why is this important? This verse is about our fallen nature – the part of us that wants to rebel against God. It's a reminder that we are all susceptible to sin, and we need Jesus’ help to overcome it. It’s an invitation to turn away from temptation and seek God’s guidance. In short, Romans 7:9 describes the reality of our ongoing struggle with sin – a state where we're not truly living in accordance with God’s will. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or example? Talk about how this passage relates to our daily lives?