Audio commentary on this verse

Note 6 at Rom. 6:14: The "old man" (sin-see note 9 at Rom. 5:21, p. 775) is dead and gone. Yet there is a "residual old man", or the unrenewed mind and emotions, that the "old man" left behind (see note 8 at Rom. 6:6, p. 778). It is these lingering effects of the "old man" or sin to which Paul is referring.

Paul makes a very clear statement that the reason this sin shall not have dominion over us is because we are not under law (see note 3 at Rom. 3:19, p. 757) but under grace (see note 5 at Rom. 1:5, p. 740). However, most Christians today are still operating under the law so it's no surprise that sin is still having dominion over them. Understanding our freedom from the O.T. law is a prerequisite to breaking the dominion of sin in our lives.

The reason this is so is because the law strengthened sin by producing guilt that condemned us and killed us (see note 4 at Rom. 3:19, p. 757). The law also brought the wrath of God against our sin (see note 3 at Rom. 4:15, p. 765). However, once we accept the atonement of Christ for our sin, we no longer need to fear the wrath of God. That was placed on Jesus. We also don't need the law to condemn us and kill us. We have already come to Christ for salvation which is what the law was designed to do (Gal. 3:24-25).

Knowing this (see note 7 at Rom. 6:6, p. 778) frees a person from sin, it doesn't free a person to sin. Every Christian continues to sin to some degree, not because we have to, but because we are still in the process of renewing our minds (see note 4 at v. 12, p. 780). However, when we aren't condemned and feeling separated from God because of our sin, we are free to run to God for help instead of away from God in fear. Therefore, understanding God's grace and our freedom from the law is the key to breaking the dominance of sin in our lives.