Biblical Literacy with Mark Lanier

Session 19 – Romans; Romans 6:11-13: Mark Lanier, 10/12/25

Listen Later
Summary

This is a biblical teaching session on Romans 6:11-14, where Mark Lanier uses C.S. Lewis’s The Silver Chair as an extended metaphor to explore Paul’s message about Christian identity and freedom from sin.

Key Themes:

  1. The Narnia Allegory
    • The witch’s deception of Prince Rilian parallels how sin deceives believers. The witch uses a magical incantation and green powder to convince Rilian that the underground cavern is all that exists, just as sin tries to convince us that worldly values are all that matters.
    • Romans 6:11 – Reckon Yourself Dead to Sin
      • Paul uses the Greek word “logizomai” (to reckon/calculate/account), a banking term meaning to count on something as real and reliable. Christians must continually consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ—not through positive thinking or denial, but by aligning their thinking with the reality of what Christ accomplished.
      • Romans 6:12-13 – Don’t Let Sin Reign
        • Paul commands believers not to let sin rule their mortal bodies. This is a present imperative, meaning it’s an ongoing choice. Believers must present their members (talents, skills, abilities) as instruments of righteousness to God, not as weapons for unrighteousness.
        • Romans 6:14 – Grace Empowers
          • Sin has no dominion over believers because they’re under grace, not law. This is not about willpower but about God’s grace guaranteeing victory through Christ’s work on the cross.

            • Three Takeaways:

            • Your thinking determines your living
            • You’re always going to serve someone—the question is whom
            • Grace will empower what it demands

                • The post Session 19 – Romans; Romans 6:11-13: Mark Lanier, 10/12/25 appeared first on Biblical Literacy.

                  ...more
                  View all episodesView all episodes
                  Download on the App Store
                  Biblical Literacy with Mark LanierBy Lanier Theological Library