Questions and Answers from Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on the Love of Christ

What are the four dimensions of Christ's love that Paul mentions in Ephesians 3?

According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones' exposition of Ephesians 3, Paul describes the love of Christ in four dimensions: breadth, length, depth, and height. These dimensions collectively convey the vastness and incomprehensible nature of Christ's love. As Lloyd-Jones states, "I'm quite sure that he went into these particular measurements in order that he might encourage the Ephesians and encourage us through them to work it out in this way."

How does Dr. Lloyd-Jones explain the "breadth" of Christ's love?

Dr. Lloyd-Jones explains the breadth of Christ's love as its extensive reach across all peoples and nations. He references Revelation 5:9 which speaks of those redeemed "out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation," and describes the countless multitude that no one could number. Lloyd-Jones notes, "In every country, in every continent, differing in color, in culture, in background, and in everything else conceivable, there are men and women meeting together as you and I are this morning, to worship God and to thank him for his dear son."

What does the "length" of Christ's love signify according to the sermon?

The length of Christ's love, according to Lloyd-Jones, signifies its eternal duration - from eternity past to eternity future. He explains: "It is a love that began in eternity. It was always there." He discusses the "covenant of redemption" where "before time, before the world and men were ever created, a great agreement was entered into between the Father and the Son" about salvation. This love continues unbroken through time - "Jesus Christ, we are told, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And therefore his love is always the same. There are no interruptions in it."

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the "depth" of Christ's love?

Lloyd-Jones describes the depth of Christ's love primarily in terms of how far Christ descended to save humanity. He references Philippians 2, explaining how Christ "was in the form of God" yet "humbled himself" and took human form, enduring poverty, suffering, hatred, and ultimately death on the cross. The depth is also seen in the fact that Christ loved us despite our unworthiness: "God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. If while we were enemies, we were reconciled unto God by the death of his son."

What does the "height" of Christ's love represent in the sermon?

The height of Christ's love represents the glorious destination to which Christ is raising believers. Lloyd-Jones explains that salvation isn't merely forgiveness but includes being made "a child of God, a son of God, an heir of God, and a joint heir with Christ." It includes being united with Christ, receiving His Spirit, and ultimately having our bodies glorified. As Lloyd-Jones puts it: "You and I shall be glorified in spirit and in body. There will be no fault, no blemish, no wrinkle, nothing at all. We shall be perfect and entire and absolutely filled with the glory of Christ and of God."

According to Lloyd-Jones, why is it important to meditate on Christ's love?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that meditating on Christ's love transforms our Christian experience and perspective. He states, "The real trouble with all of us as Christians is that we fail to realize his love to us." When we contemplate Christ's love, it helps us overcome depression and discouragement, gives us strength in trials, and provides motivation for service. He concludes, "If the church were full of this love and knowledge of this love, why, she'd be absolutely transformed. This is the thing I say that makes us mighty."

What is the relationship between knowledge and Christ's love in this sermon?

Lloyd-Jones addresses the apparent contradiction in Paul's words about "knowing the love of Christ which passeth knowledge." He explains: "How can you know something which can't be known? How can you define something which is so great that it cannot be defined?" He resolves this by explaining that while Christ's love is beyond full comprehension, "nevertheless it is our business to learn as much as we can about it, to receive as much as we can possibly contain." This knowledge of Christ's love is described as "the highest knowledge that can ever come to us in this world."

How does Lloyd-Jones compare theological knowledge with practical Christianity?

Lloyd-Jones challenges the notion that practical Christianity is more important than theological understanding. He states, "We foolishly think that the most important thing is the practical. Well, of course, the practical is very important. But if you really want to be practical, you better start with a little bit of theory." He argues that theological understanding (like comprehending Christ's love) is actually the foundation for effective Christian living: "A man who jumps into practice without studying theory is finally a fool."

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as "the real trouble today in the church"?

In his conclusion, Lloyd-Jones identifies the core problem in the church: "The real trouble today in the church is that we don't know Christ's love to us. We spend our time with petty little things, immersed in our organizations." He suggests that if Christians truly comprehended and experienced Christ's love, the church would be "absolutely transformed" and made "mighty" in its witness and ministry.

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the security of believers in Christ's love?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes the absolute security believers have in Christ's love. Quoting Romans 8, he states, "Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." He describes this love as "unbroken" and constant: "If he has set his heart and his affections upon you, my dear friend it'll never cease to be. Never. Nothing will ever be able to pluck you out of his hand."