Church at the Shores
May 18th - The Narrow Path - Planks & Specks
The Narrow Path series invites us to step into the radical teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, where we discover that the path to true life is often narrow and challenging but leads to an expansive, spacious life in God’s Kingdom.
Locations & Times
Church at the Shores
541 Cotton Creek Dr, Gulf Shores, AL 36542, USA
Friday 11:30 AM
WELCOME HOME
Welcome to Church at the Shores! Whether you’re looking to connect, watch a message, give, or share a message with a friend, visit www.churchattheshores.com. Everything you need is just a click away.
Service Times: 9am & 10:45am
Welcome to Church at the Shores! Whether you’re looking to connect, watch a message, give, or share a message with a friend, visit www.churchattheshores.com. Everything you need is just a click away.
Service Times: 9am & 10:45am
Following Jesus isn’t about having the right enemies; it’s about having the right heart.
Jesus calls His disciples to judge.
- John 7:24
- Matthew 18:15
- Luke 6:43-45
- Matthew 7:15-16
- John 7:24
- Matthew 18:15
- Luke 6:43-45
- Matthew 7:15-16
TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF JUDGMENT
1.) Discerning Judgment - Exercising Judgement
Condemning Judgment - Passing Judgement
1.) Discerning Judgment - Exercising Judgement
Condemning Judgment - Passing Judgement
JESUS SOUNDS THE ALARM (verse 2)
JESUS EXPOSES THE ROOT (verse 3-4)
JESUS EXPOSES THE ROOT (verse 3-4)
Judgment that doesn’t start with ourselves is hypocritical.
How do we become the kind of people who trade the instinct to judge for the courage to love, who see with clarity, speak with grace, and choose humility over superiority?
PRACTICE OF SELF-EXAMINATION
1.) Where am I failing to live up to a standard I expect from others?
2.) How do I currently benefit from the patience and grace of God (and others)?
3.) Who in my life can help me see some of my blind spots?
PRAY THE JESUS PRAYER
(Luke 18)
“Jesus, Christ Son of God, have mercy on me as a sinner and hold me in your grace as a beloved child of God.”
POSTURE OF LETTING GO
(John 8 - Drop the Stones)
PRACTICE OF SELF-EXAMINATION
1.) Where am I failing to live up to a standard I expect from others?
2.) How do I currently benefit from the patience and grace of God (and others)?
3.) Who in my life can help me see some of my blind spots?
PRAY THE JESUS PRAYER
(Luke 18)
“Jesus, Christ Son of God, have mercy on me as a sinner and hold me in your grace as a beloved child of God.”
POSTURE OF LETTING GO
(John 8 - Drop the Stones)
SMALL GROUP LEADERS' GUIDE
Use these questions to take this message on Sunday into your week with family or friends.
READ TOGETHER: Matthew 7:1-6
START HERE: ICE BREAKER QUESTION
What’s a time you made a quick judgment about someone, and realized later you were wrong?
What’s one thing you wish people would be slower to judge you on?
Use these questions to take this message on Sunday into your week with family or friends.
READ TOGETHER: Matthew 7:1-6
START HERE: ICE BREAKER QUESTION
What’s a time you made a quick judgment about someone, and realized later you were wrong?
What’s one thing you wish people would be slower to judge you on?
GOING DEEPER: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” What do you think He means by that, and what do you think He doesn’t mean?
Why do you think it’s easier to spot the “speck” in someone else’s eye than to notice the “plank” in your own?
Have you ever confronted someone without dealing with your own heart first? What was the result?
What would it look like in your relationships to practice discernment without condemnation?
Is there a “stone” you’ve been holding—judgment, bitterness, pride—that you sense Jesus is inviting you to drop?
Where am I failing to live up to a standard I expect from others?
How do I currently benefit from the patience and grace of God?
Who in my life can help me see some of my blind spots?
Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” What do you think He means by that, and what do you think He doesn’t mean?
Why do you think it’s easier to spot the “speck” in someone else’s eye than to notice the “plank” in your own?
Have you ever confronted someone without dealing with your own heart first? What was the result?
What would it look like in your relationships to practice discernment without condemnation?
Is there a “stone” you’ve been holding—judgment, bitterness, pride—that you sense Jesus is inviting you to drop?
Where am I failing to live up to a standard I expect from others?
How do I currently benefit from the patience and grace of God?
Who in my life can help me see some of my blind spots?
Join our Generosity Team
Your generosity creates opportunities for people to experience a life-changing relationship with Jesus, plant churches in underserved areas, resource global missions, and make a difference in our local community. Thank you for unleashing generosity!
https://www.churchattheshores.com/give/E.S.P.N. for the Group Leader to Remember:
Encouragement
Leadership is 51% encouragement. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or a thoughtful affirmation. Look for opportunities to call out the good in each person and remind them of God’s work in their life. Encouragement builds trust and fosters connection in your group.
Scripture
Make space to read Scripture out loud together. God’s Word is living and active, and hearing it read aloud can open hearts and minds to His truth in a powerful way. Even a short passage can spark meaningful conversation and reflection.
Prayer
Create intentional moments for your group to pray together. Whether it’s a simple prayer for the week or interceding for specific needs, prayer connects us to Jesus—and Jesus transforms lives.
Next Step
Always point your group toward one clear, actionable next step before you end. It could be as simple as spending five minutes in stillness this week, reading a specific Scripture, or reaching out to someone in love. A clear next step helps people take what they’ve learned and put it into practice.
Encouragement
Leadership is 51% encouragement. Don’t underestimate the power of a kind word or a thoughtful affirmation. Look for opportunities to call out the good in each person and remind them of God’s work in their life. Encouragement builds trust and fosters connection in your group.
Scripture
Make space to read Scripture out loud together. God’s Word is living and active, and hearing it read aloud can open hearts and minds to His truth in a powerful way. Even a short passage can spark meaningful conversation and reflection.
Prayer
Create intentional moments for your group to pray together. Whether it’s a simple prayer for the week or interceding for specific needs, prayer connects us to Jesus—and Jesus transforms lives.
Next Step
Always point your group toward one clear, actionable next step before you end. It could be as simple as spending five minutes in stillness this week, reading a specific Scripture, or reaching out to someone in love. A clear next step helps people take what they’ve learned and put it into practice.