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Connecting Statement:
Paul reminds us that grace rules over us, not the law; we are not sin's slaves, but God's slaves.
do not let sin rule in your mortal body
Paul speaks of people sinning as if sin were their master or king that controlled them. Alternate translation: "Do not let sinful desires control you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification)
your mortal body
This phrase refers to the physical part of a person, which will die. Alternate translation: "you" (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche)
so that you obey its lusts
Obeying the mortal body's lusts would be the result of letting sin rule in the body. That is why Paul commands people not to let sin rule in their mortal body—so they they do not obey its lusts. Paul speaks of people doing the evil things they desire as if the body had evil desires and commanded people to do what it desires. (See: rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification)