Common Questions About Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' Sermon on Ephesians 6:5-9

What is the central passage that Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses in this sermon?

In this sermon, Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones focuses on Ephesians 6:5-9, which addresses the relationship between servants and masters. This passage instructs servants to be obedient to their masters "with fear and trembling, in singleness of heart, as unto Christ," and masters to "do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening, knowing that your master also is in heaven."

How does Lloyd-Jones describe the perfect balance of Scripture in addressing relationships?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that Scripture maintains a "perfect balance" by addressing both sides of relationships with complete fairness. He notes that just as the Bible provides guidance for both wives and husbands, and parents and children, it similarly gives instructions to both servants and masters. He calls this balance "one of its most striking and most glorious features" that demonstrates Scripture's uniqueness.

What does Lloyd-Jones identify as the solution to society's relationship problems?

Lloyd-Jones states firmly that "there is nothing that can solve the problems of society but the Christian teaching." He explains that the Christian message uniquely solves relationship problems without bitterness because it brings everyone to the same position—first acknowledging all as sinners, then pointing all to the same Savior. This creates a common principle that governs all relationships, regardless of social standing.

What specific instruction does Lloyd-Jones highlight for masters in their treatment of servants?

Lloyd-Jones emphasizes that masters must "forbear threatening" in their relationship with servants. He explains that this goes beyond merely not being cruel—it means never displaying a wrong spirit, never deliberately keeping servants down, and never reminding them of their lower status. Even through looks or general demeanor, a master should never create an atmosphere of threat.

What does Lloyd-Jones say about the Christian view of earthly distinctions?

According to Lloyd-Jones, Christianity teaches that earthly distinctions are "only temporary" and "according to the flesh." He explains that in Christ, social distinctions like "bond or free" become "comparatively unimportant and almost irrelevant." Christianity doesn't immediately abolish these earthly distinctions, but it teaches believers to view them in proper perspective, recognizing that "there is no respect of persons" with God.

What is the "second great grand motive" Lloyd-Jones identifies for Christian living?

Lloyd-Jones identifies "our accountability to the Lord Jesus Christ" as the second great motive that should govern Christian life. He explains that we all must remember that we will stand before Christ and "receive for the things done in the body, whether good or bad." This accountability applies equally to masters and servants and serves as both a warning and an encouragement.

How does Lloyd-Jones respond to those who criticize judgment as an unworthy motive for Christian living?

Lloyd-Jones directly challenges those who dismiss judgment as an unworthy motive, calling this view "philosophic idealism, which is not Christianity." He points to numerous biblical passages where judgment and reward are taught, including Christ's own parables and 2 Corinthians 5. He even notes that Hebrews 12:3 shows that Christ himself was sustained by "the joy that was set before him."

What does Lloyd-Jones mean by "suffering loss" at the judgment?

While acknowledging he doesn't fully understand the details, Lloyd-Jones explains that even believers who are saved by faith might "suffer loss" at the judgment if they've built with "wood, hay and stubble." He speculates this might be like seeing disappointment in Christ's eyes—not losing salvation but experiencing the pain of knowing we failed Him through "selfishness" and "slowness." He emphasizes this is different from the judgment of salvation.

How does Lloyd-Jones describe heaven and the eternal realm compared to earthly existence?

Lloyd-Jones describes heaven as "the eternal world, the realm of the spirit" which is the "real realm," while our current world is just "the world of shadows and appearances." He challenges the materialist view that physical things are "real," pointing out that everything in this world is "dissolving" and changing, while the unseen realm is "eternal," "everlasting," and "the realm of the absolute."

What two great motives does Lloyd-Jones say drove the Apostle Paul in his ministry?

Lloyd-Jones concludes by noting that two great motives drove Paul: "The love of Christ constraineth me" and "knowing the terror of the Lord." He teaches that both motives should always be present in the Christian life—love for Christ and awareness of our accountability before Him. This dual motivation applies to all believers regardless of their social position.