The document discusses the importance of aligning one's thoughts, words, and actions with God's interests rather than human perspectives. It uses biblical examples, particularly the dialogue between Jesus and Peter, to illustrate how personal motives can misalign with divine will. The text concludes by encouraging believers to prioritize God's interests through self-denial and commitment to following Christ.

1. Get Behind Me, Satan! Setting your mind on God's interests, not man’s.

2. Introduction Sometimes Christians do not realize when thoughts, words, or deeds are in complete disagreement with the Lord’s will. It is not as if disciples of Christ are without understanding His will. Eph. 5:17 Many times Christians think, pray, or do things with helpful intentions. Motives that are well intended, however, can sometimes be shortsighted when looking at God’s interests in/for our lives.

3. Introduction In this lesson we will illustrate this unfortunate practice of ours and things we can do to minimize or avoid in our walk with the Lord. We’ll look at the dialogue and context of Jesus’ rebuke that contrasts God’s interests from man’s. Look at practical ways in having our minds set on God’s interests, not man’s.

4. God’s Interests Verses Man’s God’s ultimate interest in/for man was illustrated through His Son. Undoubtedly, Jesus was interested in man’s physical welfare. Mk. 8:1-10 (Matt. 25:31ff) That interest, however, was within a larger scope: man’s spiritual and eternal welfare, especially for His followers. Mk. 8:14-21

5. God’s Interests Verses Man’s God’s interests in/for man was taught to His disciples. Peter’s knowledge of who Jesus was – the Christ – was accurate. Mk. 8:27-29 Peter’s knowledge of what Jesus’ role – as the Messiah – was lacking. Mk. 8:31-32 Jesus’ rebuke taught Peter his interests were in direct opposition to God’s. Mk. 8:33

6. Having Our Minds Set on God’s Interests Even though we know these truths we still forget such in our daily walk. While doing good to others in service to the Lord, many of God’s people have worldly interests that continues to pull. It is likened to walking away from the mirror of God’s law. Jas. 1:23 Such is the continuous battle that goes on in the life of God’s children.

7. Having Our Minds Set on God’s Interests If we’re going to give our lives over to God’s interests we need to learn the following: Mk. 8:34-38 Learn how to deny self . Rom. 8:12-13; Matt. 26:39 (Gal. 2:20) Learn how to take up your cross . Learn how to follow after our Savior .

8. Conclusion May the reminder of keeping God’s interests above our own keep in our hearts and act upon our lives each day.