thinking bible.

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how can we distinguish between personal responsibility for sin and systemic issues that make sin's 'reign' feel inescapable?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Romans 7:15-20

For that which I do, I don’t know. For what I desire, that I don’t practice; but what I hate, that I do. But if I do that which I don’t desire, I consent to the law that it is good. So now it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwells in me. For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For to will is present with me, but to do that which is good isn’t. For the good which I desire, I don’t do; but the evil which I don’t desire, that I practice. But if I do that which I don’t desire, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.

The apostle Paul is writing to the Christians in Rome, likely in the mid-1st century CE. In this section of his letter, he is exploring the inner struggle a person experiences with the Law and the pervasive power of sin, even for those who desire to do good.

What does it feel like to desire one thing and find yourself doing another?

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Read alongside it

  • Romans 3:23

    This verse states that all have sinned and fall short, emphasizing universal human fallenness.

  • Galatians 5:17

    This describes the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit, mirroring Paul's inner struggle.

  • James 1:13-15

    This passage speaks about temptation arising from one's own evil desire, leading to sin and death.

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