For sin shall not be your masterThis phrase emphasizes the transformative power of the believer's new identity in Christ. In the context of Romans, Paul addresses the dominion of sin, which has been broken through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Historically, the concept of mastery would resonate with the Roman audience familiar with slavery, a prevalent institution in their society. Theologically, this reflects the promise of
Genesis 3:15, where the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head, symbolizing victory over sin. The believer's freedom from sin's mastery is a fulfillment of this prophecy, indicating a new creation in Christ (
2 Corinthians 5:17).
because you are not under law
The law, given through Moses, served to reveal sin (Romans 3:20) and was a tutor leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24). In the historical context, the Jewish audience would understand the law as a covenantal framework that defined their relationship with God. However, Paul clarifies that the law cannot save; it can only highlight humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on its own. This phrase connects to the broader biblical narrative of the Old Covenant, which pointed to the need for a New Covenant, prophesied inJeremiah 31:31-34, where God's law would be written on hearts rather than tablets of stone.
but under grace
Grace, a central theme in Paul's writings, signifies unmerited favor and divine assistance given to humanity for regeneration and sanctification. This phrase marks the transition from the Old Covenant of law to the New Covenant of grace, inaugurated by Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Theologically, grace is the means by which believers are justified (Romans 3:24) and empowered to live righteously. It fulfills the promise ofEzekiel 36:26-27, where God promises to give a new heart and spirit, enabling obedience. This grace is a type of Christ's work, as He embodies grace and truth (John 1:14), offering believers a new way of life free from the bondage of sin.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul was a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and theological teachings.
2.
The Roman ChurchThe recipients of the letter, the Roman Christians were a diverse group of Jewish and Gentile believers living in the capital of the Roman Empire.
3.
SinA central theme in Paul's writings, sin is depicted as a power that enslaves humanity, from which believers are freed through Christ.
4.
The LawReferring to the Mosaic Law, which was given to the Israelites and is often discussed by Paul in terms of its role in revealing sin and pointing to the need for a Savior.
5.
GraceThe unmerited favor of God, which is a key concept in Paul's theology, emphasizing salvation and freedom from sin through Jesus Christ.
Teaching Points
Freedom from Sin's DominionBelievers are no longer slaves to sin because of the transformative power of grace.
Understanding this freedom encourages a life of holiness and obedience to God.
The Role of the LawThe law reveals sin but cannot save; it points to the need for grace through Christ.
Christians are called to live by the Spirit, not by the letter of the law.
Living Under GraceGrace empowers believers to live righteously, not as a license to sin.
Embrace the identity in Christ, which is marked by freedom and victory over sin.
The Transformative Power of GraceGrace not only saves but also sanctifies, enabling believers to grow in Christlikeness.
Rely on God's grace daily for strength and guidance in overcoming sin.
Identity in ChristRecognize and affirm the new identity as children of God, free from the bondage of sin.
This identity shapes how believers interact with the world and pursue godliness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Romans 6:14?
2.How does Romans 6:14 encourage living under grace rather than the law?
3.What does "sin shall not be your master" mean for daily life?
4.How does Romans 6:14 connect to Ephesians 2:8-9 about grace and faith?
5.In what ways can you rely on grace to overcome sin today?
6.How can understanding Romans 6:14 strengthen your spiritual discipline and obedience?
7.How does Romans 6:14 define the relationship between law and grace?
8.Does Romans 6:14 imply Christians are free from obeying the law?
9.How does Romans 6:14 influence the concept of sin in Christian theology?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 6?
11.Romans 6:14 claims believers are “not under law but under grace.” How does this align with the Old Testament emphasis on strict adherence to the Mosaic Law?
12.What does "not under the law" mean for Christians?
13.What does Romans 6:14 mean about sin's dominion?
14.What is Antinomianism?What Does Romans 6:14 Mean
For sin shall not be your masterSin once ruled our hearts, butRomans 6:6 says “our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” Literally, the cross broke sin’s claim.
• Jesus states, “Everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin… So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34-36).
•1 John 3:9 affirms this new reality: “No one born of God practices sin, because His seed remains in him.”
• Though temptation still knocks (Romans 6:12-13), it no longer owns the keys. We resist, not to earn freedom, but because we already possess it.
Because you are not under lawThe Mosaic Law exposed sin (Romans 3:20) and served as “our guardian until Christ came” (Galatians 3:24-25). Now its condemning gavel is silent toward those in Christ.
•Colossians 2:14 declares that Jesus “canceled the record of debt… nailing it to the cross.”
•Romans 7:4-6 explains we “died to the law through the body of Christ… so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit.”
• This does not license lawlessness; it removes the impossible burden of achieving righteousness by rule-keeping (Acts 15:10).
But under graceGrace is God’s unearned power working in and for us. “Where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Romans 5:20-21).
•Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation is “by grace… not from yourselves.”
•Titus 2:11-12 shows grace training us “to renounce ungodliness,” proving it is both pardon and power.
•Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” receiving mercy for every struggle.
Living under grace means:
– Identity: we are counted righteous (Romans 4:5).
– Ability: the Spirit empowers obedience (Galatians 5:16-18).
– Security: nothing separates us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39).
summaryRomans 6:14 promises a changed master, a removed indictment, and a new realm of empowering favor. Sin’s tyranny is broken, the Law’s condemnation is lifted, and grace now sustains a life of joyful, holy freedom.
Verse 14. -
For sin shall not have dominion over you; for ye are not under law, but under grace. As to the force of the future here,
οὐ κυριεύσει, see what was said under ver. 5. Here also no more seems, at first sight, to be meant than that God, if we respond to his grace, will not let sin have dominion over us; we shall, in fact, if we are willing, be enabled to resist it. "Invitos nos non coget [peccatum] ad serviendum tibi" (Bengel). And the reason given is suitable to this meaning: "For ye are not under law" (which, while it makes sin sinful and exacts its full penalty, imparts no power to overcome it), "but under grace" (which does communicate such power). Thus understanding the verse, we see the distinction between
βασιλευέτω in ver. 12 and
κυριεύσει here. In ver. 12 we are exhorted not to let sin
reign; we are to own no allegiance to it as a
king whose rule we must obey. But it still will try to usurp lordship over us - in vain, however, if we resist the usurpation:
οὑ κυριεύσειἡμῶν. The sense thus given to the verse is what its own language and the previous context suggest. But ver. 15, which follows, suggests a different meaning. "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace?" Such a question could not arise on the statement of the preceding verse, if its meaning were understood to be that grace will enable us to avoid sin; it rather supposes the meaning that grace condones sin. Hence, in ver. 15 at least, a different aspect of the difference between being under law and being under grace seems evidently to come in; namely, this - that the principle of law is to exact complete obedience to its behests; but the principle of grace is to accept faith in lieu of complete obedience. If, then,
ἁμαρτία ὑμῶν οὐκυριεύσει in ver. 14 is to be understood in agreement with this idea, it must mean, "Sin, though it still infects you, shall not lord it over you so as to bring you into condemnation." Calvin has a good note on the verse. He allows the first of the expositions of it given above to be "una quae caeteris prohabilius sustineri queat." But he thinks that ver. 15, following, requires the other, and he concludes thus: "Vult enim nos consolari apostolus, ne animis fatiscamus in studio bene agendi, propterea quod multas imperfectiones adhuc in nobis sentiamus. Uteunque enim peccati aculeis vexemut, non petest tamen nos subigere, quia Spiritu Dei superiores reddimur: deinde in gratia constituti, sumus liberati a rigida Legis exactione." It may be that the apostle, when he wrote ver. 14, meant what the previous context suggests, but passed on in ver. 15 to the other idea in view of the way in which his words might be understood. In what follows next (vers. 15-23) is introduced the second illustration (see former note), drawn from the human relations between masters and slaves. It comes in by way of meeting the supposed abuse of the statement of ver. 14; but it serves as a further proof of the general position that is being upheld. The word
κυριεύσει in ver. 14 suggests this particular illustration. We being under grace, it had been said, sin will not be our master, whence the inference was supposed to be drawn that we may sin with impunity, and without thereby subjecting ourselves to the mastery of sin. Nay, it is replied, but it
will be our master, if in practice we consent to be its servants.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.sinἁμαρτία(hamartia)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 266:From hamartano; a sin.shall not be your master,κυριεύσει(kyrieusei)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2961:To have authority, rule over. From kurios; to rule.becauseγάρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.you areἐστε(este)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.underὑπὸ(hypo)Preposition
Strong's 5259:A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).law,νόμον(nomon)Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551:From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.underὑπὸ(hypo)Preposition
Strong's 5259:A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).grace.χάριν(charin)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5485:From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act.
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NT Letters: Romans 6:14 For sin will not have dominion over (Rom. Ro)