Lesson 464: Romans 7:18
The Blueprint — The Verse
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.
Memorization Practice
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King James Version (KJV) — Public Domain.
The Context — The History
explores the believer's struggle with sin after coming to know God's law through faithFaith is the act of trusting God’s character, promises, and redemptive work even before the outcome is seen. In Scripture, faith is not blind belief but a confident reliance on God’s truth, rooted in His past actions and revealed purpose. It is the foundation of the believer’s relationship with God and the driving force behind obedience, endurance, and hope.... More. PaulPaul is the apostle who carried the message of Jesus into the Gentile world, transforming early Christianity through his missionary journeys, his letters, and his profound teaching on grace, faith, and the New Covenant. More wrote to a church navigating identity in ChristJesus of Nazareth, also called the Christ or the Messiah, is the central figure of the New Testament and the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Born in the line of David, He taught with divine authority, performed miracles, and revealed the kingdom of God. More within a paganPagan refers to the non‑Jewish, non‑Christian religious systems of the ancient world — polytheistic, idol‑centered, and rooted in nature worship, mythology, and regional deities. In Scripture, paganism represents worship directed toward created things rather than the Creator, and it forms the backdrop of Israel’s covenant struggle and the early church’s mission. More imperial city.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
PaulPaul is the apostle who carried the message of Jesus into the Gentile world, transforming early Christianity through his missionary journeys, his letters, and his profound teaching on grace, faith, and the New Covenant. More described the law as holy but sin seizing opportunity through the commandment. He confessed the war within: desiring good yet failing to do it, finding evil present when he wanted to obey.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
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So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
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For the good which I desire, I don’t do; but the evil which I don’t desire, that I practice.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
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How does Paul's honesty about inner conflict encourage you?
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What is the difference between struggling with sin and excusing it?
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Why is admitting 'I cannot carry it out' a step toward graceGrace is God’s unearned favor — His freely given kindness, forgiveness, and restorative power extended to humanity. In Scripture, grace is the divine initiative that overcomes sin, heals separation, and empowers transformation. It is the foundation of redemption, revealing God’s willingness to act on behalf of humanity before they can act for themselves. More?
