¹⁸ For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[a](A) For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

²¹ So I find this law at work:^(A) Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being^(B) I delight in God’s law;^{(C) 23} but I see another law at work in me, waging war^(D) against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin^(E) at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?^(F)

¹⁷ For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.^(A) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever^[a] you want.^(B)