Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Ephesians 2:20-22

What are the three pictures Paul uses to describe the church in Ephesians 2?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Paul uses three distinct pictures to help the Ephesian Christians understand the nature of the church: first, the church as a city-state or kingdom ("fellow citizens with the saints"); second, the church as a family ("of the household of God"); and third, the church as a temple or building ("built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets"). These three illustrations progressively reveal deeper truths about the unity of believers and their relationship to God.

How does the temple metaphor show advancement over the family metaphor for the church?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains that the temple metaphor advances beyond the family metaphor in terms of unity and privilege. Regarding unity, family members remain distinct individuals who can separate from one another while still being family, whereas stones in a building cannot be separated without destroying the structure - they are "fitly framed together." Regarding privilege, while children have access to their father, they remain external to him; but in the temple metaphor, God actually dwells within the church - "build together for inhabitation of God through the spirit" - which represents the highest possible intimacy.

What does Lloyd-Jones mean when he says the church is a "vital process" rather than a mechanical one?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that although Paul uses the building metaphor, he adds vital, living qualities to it. He points to Paul's words that the building "groweth unto an holy temple" and Peter's description of believers as "lively stones." This shows that the church isn't merely assembled mechanically like ordinary buildings but grows organically through spiritual life. Lloyd-Jones contrasts this with modern attempts to create church unity through organizational mergers or statistical growth in membership, which he describes as mechanical rather than vital processes.

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the main characteristic of the church as God's temple?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, the main characteristic of the church as God's temple is holiness. He notes that Paul doesn't emphasize the size or ornate nature of the building but specifically calls it a "holy temple." Lloyd-Jones laments that modern discussions about church unity often center on organizational matters rather than holiness. He states, "there's only one way to get unity in the church, and that is the unity of holiness," and observes that "when holiness is put as the main characteristic, the unity looks after itself."

How does the Trinity relate to the church as described in this sermon?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones shows how the church as God's temple involves all three persons of the Trinity. Christ is repeatedly emphasized as the cornerstone and foundation - "in whom" the building is framed together. God the Father comes to dwell within this temple. And this divine indwelling happens "through the Spirit." Lloyd-Jones notes the consistent order: "The Son takes us to the Father, and the Father and the Son send the Spirit." He emphasizes that there is no church apart from this Trinitarian relationship, particularly stressing that Christ must be "everywhere, center, beginning, foundation, end."

Why does Lloyd-Jones believe this doctrine of the church as God's temple is important for today?

Lloyd-Jones believes this doctrine is crucial because it corrects false notions about church growth and unity. He argues that modern approaches to church unity often focus on organizational mergers or increasing membership statistics rather than the vital spiritual growth Paul describes. He warns against pleading with people to join churches, which he calls "the very antithesis of this vital process." Lloyd-Jones also emphasizes that understanding the church as God's holy dwelling place should impact how believers present themselves to the world, as people should "see something of this holiness" when they encounter the church.