Special Studies by the Monte Vista church of Christ

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 7:15-29 Summary In the final section of the sermon, Jesus warns disciples about false teachers, self-deception, and building upon the wrong spiritual foundation. Jesus describes false prophets as being like wolves in sheep’s clothing. A prophet is a spokesman for God. He preaches information that God reveals. A false prophet only […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 7:7-14 Summary Prayer was a big part of Jesus’ life. The gospel contains several instances where Jesus devotes Himself to prayer (Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15-16, 6:12; Matthew 26:36-46; John 17:1-26). Jesus also taught His disciples how to pray (Luke 11:1-4). Amazingly, feeble human beings have the privilege to talk to God […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 7:1-6 Summary Matthew 7:1 is misused a lot in our current culture. Many use it to suggest that followers of Christ should never make any moral judgments. They should never call out certain practices as wrong and sinful. That is not what the Lord is teaching when He says, “Do not […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:25-34 Summary Worry and anxiety are other critical issues Jesus addresses in this sermon. The Lord says to disciples, “Do not be worried about your life” (Matthew 6:25). Jesus is not condemning and demonizing those who have struggled with clinical depression. Neither is He suggesting that His people are to be […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:19-24 Summary Jesus gives many teachings about the dangers of earthly riches in the gospel. While it is not sinful to possess earthly riches, one can easily turn them into idols. The rich young ruler decided not to give his possessions to follow Jesus. The Lord told him to sell all […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:8-15 Summary After exposing the problems with the “righteousness” of the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus begins discussing what it takes to be truly righteous. Instead of praying vainly to be seen of men, the disciple uses prayer to talk to and draw closer to God. The disciple understands that prayer is […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:1-7, 16-18 Summary Practicing their “righteousness” before others was another ungodly practice in which the scribes and Pharisees were guilty. The core to this problem was found in the hearts of these wicked men. There are times when people must engage in religious practices and good works before others, but these […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 6:1-7, 16-18 Summary Practicing their “righteousness” before others was another ungodly practice in which the scribes and Pharisees were guilty. The core to this problem was found in the hearts of these wicked men. There are times when people must engage in religious practices and good works before others, but these […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:43-48 Summary This section may contain the most challenging teaching of Jesus. In addition to loving their neighbors, disciples are also to love their enemies. They are to love and show concern for those who despise and hate them. Most Jews of Jesus’ time did not want to love their enemies. […]

Key Scripture Readings: Matthew 5:38-42 Summary The statement, “An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,” predates the Sermon on the Mount. It is found in the Code of Hammurabi. This rule (sometimes called lex talionis) provided for even-handed justice. Justice must fit the crime, and it must be extended to every […]