Checkoff list for worship.

Today my attention was drawn to I Thessalonians 5:16-22. As I was reading this I discovered something amazing. These verses provide for us a checklist for Sunday mornings. If you are like me, with my bad memory, I have to make a list of things that have to be done during the week or I will forget something. This checklist is something that can help you remember what it takes to experience and live true worship on Sunday. I have provided you with the outline and the verses. Study this checklist and put it into practice. I think the results will amaze you.

I. Rejoice Always. v16
1. Praise the Lord in all circumstances
2. Make the decision that "Today I will worship."
a. worship is a choice.
b. it doesn't always come naturally.
II. Pray Constantly v.17
1. Be ready to stand against the devil who will stop at nothing to hinder or destroy your worship.
2. Spiritual warfare. (Ephesians 6:12)
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the world's rulers, of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
III. Give thanks in Everything, for this is God's will for you. v.18
1. Praise GOd for your circumstances no matter what they are.
2. This is getting your heart right before God.
3. Recognize God's holiness and authority.
a. He is Holy, His plan is Holy
b. praise Him for blessings and for suffering.
4. This will open the door to amazing times of worship.
IV. Quench not the Spirit. v. 19
1. Don't block what the Spirit wants you to do.
a. if the Sprit impresses you to raise your hands and you don’t you are quenching the Spirit. If you don’t sing because you have had a bad day or think your voice is bad you are quenching the Spirit.
2. Don't do anything that would hinder the work of the Spirit.
a. If you do anything in worship for your own glory you are quenching the Spirit.
V. Don't Despise the prophesies. v 20
1. Pay attention to the preaching of God's Word
2. Don't just tolerate the sermon.
a. Take notes, soak it in, in some instances interact.
VI. Test all things, hold on to what is good. v21
1. Test the sermon with Scripture
2. if it is found to be good, live by it.
VII. Stay away from evil v.22
1. Live by God's Word.
2. Avoid sin until the next time of worship.