Contradiction with Philippians 4:13
While Romans 7:18 emphasizes human inability to do good, Philippians 4:13 proclaims that one can do all things through Christ.
Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Contradiction with 1 John 5:4
Romans 7:18 speaks of the lack of goodness in human flesh, whereas 1 John 5:4 talks about overcoming the world through faith.
1 John 5:4: For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, [even] our faith. [is born: Gr. has been born]
Contradiction with 2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 7:18 shows the struggle of doing good in the flesh, but 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that in Christ, old things pass away and everything becomes new.
2 Corinthians 5:17: Therefore if any man [be] in Christ, [he is] a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [he is: or, let him be]
Contradiction with Galatians 2:20
Romans 7:18 highlights personal incapacity for goodness, yet Galatians 2:20 asserts that Christ lives in us, enabling us to live by faith.
Galatians 2:20: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Contradiction with Ezekiel 36:27
Romans 7:18 suggests difficulty in performing what is good, but Ezekiel 36:27 speaks of God's spirit enabling people to follow His decrees.
Ezekiel 36:27: And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do [them].
Paradox #1
Romans 7:18 discusses the struggle between a person's desire to do good and their inability to carry it out due to the presence of sin. Some might see a contradiction with the idea that accepting divine help or guidance enables a person to overcome sinful desires. If divine help is available, one might question why the struggle exists or seems so pronounced. This might seem inconsistent with teachings about transformation and empowerment through faith.
Paradox #2
Some people see a contradiction between Romans 7:18, where human struggle and inability to do good on their own are mentioned, and other parts of the Bible that encourage believers to live righteously and suggest that they have the power to do so through faith and God’s help. This might seem inconsistent because one part acknowledges human weakness, while others emphasize human ability to choose good with divine assistance.
Paradox #3
The possible contradiction in this verse could be the struggle between wanting to do good and actually doing it. It highlights the conflict between intentions and actions, where someone might genuinely want to do what is right but feels powerless to carry it out, showing a gap between moral desires and human behavior.