As for me, when I deliberated upon serving the Lord my…
““As for me, when I deliberated upon serving the Lord my God, as I had long planned to do, it was I myself who willed it and I myself who did not will it. It was I myself. I neither willed it completely, nor did I refrain completely from willing it. Therefore, I was at war within myself, and I was laid waste by myself. This devastation was made against my will indeed, and yet it revealed not the nature of a different mind within me, but rather the punishment of my own nature. Therefore, it is no more I that did it, but sin that dwells in me,7 sin that issues from punishment of a more voluntary sin, for I was Adam’s son.8””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Human will is divided; sin originates from inner nature, not external forces.
In simple terms: Our choices are torn between good and sin.
Key Takeaway
Recognize inner struggle.
Themes
theology
free will
sin
Mood
introspective
spiritual
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- confessional writing
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
inner conflict
self‑judgment
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile personal responsibility with sin?
- Can inner conflict be resolved?
A Different Perspective
Oversimplifies complex psychology of sin.