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.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 7:18 Or my flesh

17-20 But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can’t keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.

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