What does "nothing good dwells in me" reveal about human nature? Setting the Verse in Context Romans 7:18: “I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” • Paul is speaking as a born-again believer who still wrestles with his indwelling “flesh” (the old, sin-governed nature). • The statement flows out of a larger section (Romans 7:14-25) describing the conflict between regenerated spirit and unregenerated flesh. What “Nothing Good Dwells in Me” Says About Us • “Nothing good” pinpoints total moral inability apart from God. • “Dwells” shows sin is not a superficial blemish; it resides at our core. • “In my flesh” clarifies that the problem is the fallen human nature, not the new nature created by the Spirit. Truth #1 – We Are Born Corrupt • Psalm 51:5 – “Surely I was brought forth in iniquity; I was sinful when my mother conceived me.” • Genesis 6:5 – Every inclination of the human heart is “only evil continually.” • Romans 3:10-12 – “There is no one righteous, not even one.” Takeaway: Sin is inherited, not merely learned behavior. Truth #2 – The Flesh Cannot Produce True Good • Isaiah 64:6 – Even our righteous acts are “filthy rags.” • John 6:63 – “The flesh profits nothing.” • Romans 8:8 – “Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God.” Takeaway: Moral reform or self-improvement never overcomes the root problem. Truth #3 – An Ongoing Inner Conflict • Galatians 5:17 – “The flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.” • Romans 7:21-23 – The law of sin wages war inside believers. Takeaway: Conversion introduces a battle, not immediate perfection. Truth #4 – Our Desperate Need for Divine Intervention • Ephesians 2:1-5 – God makes the spiritually dead alive in Christ. • Titus 3:5 – Salvation is “not by works” but “by the washing of rebirth.” • Romans 7:24-25 – Paul’s cry, “Who will rescue me?” is answered: “Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord!” Takeaway: Only the indwelling Holy Spirit supplies the good that our flesh lacks. Living in Light of This Reality • Depend daily on the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). • Feed the new nature with Scripture and fellowship (Colossians 3:16). • Mourn sin yet rejoice in grace (1 John 1:9). • Avoid confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3). Key Takeaways at a Glance • Human nature, as inherited from Adam, is fundamentally corrupt. • The flesh is incapable of producing righteousness acceptable to God. • Believers experience a real but winnable struggle between flesh and Spirit. • Victory and genuine goodness come only through union with Christ and the Spirit’s power. |
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