Book of Romans - Chapter 7 - Verse 18

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." from the book of Romans in the Bible speaks to the struggle that many people face in trying to do what is right. The speaker acknowledges that within themselves, they do not possess inherent goodness and are prone to sin due to their human nature. Despite having the desire to do good, they find themselves lacking in the ability to consistently carry out those intentions. This verse reflects the internal conflict between one's moral aspirations and their flawed nature. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle between the flesh and the spirit, highlighting the need for divine guidance and strength in order to overcome the inherent weaknesses of human nature.

Paul's statement in Romans 7:18 reflects a deep theological insight into the spiritual struggle that Christians often face. The phrase "in me, that is, in my flesh" highlights the distinction between the sinful nature inherited from Adam and the redeemed nature that comes through faith in Christ. Paul acknowledges that apart from the grace of God, there is no good thing within him. This understanding is crucial in acknowledging our total dependence on God for righteousness and sanctification. The phrase "to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not" captures the tension between our desire to do what is right and our struggle with sin in our lives. This tension underscores the need for continual reliance on the Holy Spirit to enable us to live a life pleasing to God. In delving deeper into the word study of "flesh" in this verse, we see that it refers to our fallen human nature that is inclined towards sin. Recognizing the brokenness of our flesh allows us to humble ourselves before God and seek His transformation in our lives.