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"FRIVOLOUS FELLOWSHIP" - A Worksheet

Are the two predominant concepts associated with "Christian Fellowship" supposed to be "food" and "fun"? Shouldn't we be able to expect conversation that is less superficial? And how about something that fills our Spirits, not just our bellies?

This group of studies was the outcome of my concern over the empty frivolity that exists in much of so-called "Christian fellowship." I wanted to see what God had to say about such activities (focusing, in this study, on the "fun" aspect).

Being a "worksheet," this is just a starting point for your own studies. Feel free to add additional words, verses, concepts, etc., as you wish. And remove any passages that are not applicable to your specific situation. (These verses are primarily from the New Testament, Psalms, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; only occasionally from other parts of the Old Testament. In some of the word groups, verses that were deemed not relevant to the study were omitted.)

The verses that were chosen for this study were based mainly on their occurrence in the New International Version of the Bible (occasionally the New American Standard Version). If you use a different translation, you may come-up with a different list of verses, depending on how the translators chose to say it.

(Often the original Hebrew or Greek word can be translated by several English words or phrases. The translator will choose which word or phrase to use. In a few places, differences may occur because there may be some question as to the exact interpretation of the passage - though it would be nothing major that would seriously impact any of the Bible's teachings. It also depends on whether the translator is attempting to translate "word for word" or "meaning for meaning.")

In [brackets with italics] are some of the words used by various other translations, or if translations vary greatly, a general description of what the word means.

[Note: The "Merriment / Cheer" study was added at a later date and has a slightly different format.]

To get these studies in PDF format:

FRIVOLOUS FELLOWSHIP PDF - Contains all except "merriment/cheer," the separate study on "self-control" (located elsewhere on this website), and the verse list on "gluttony." Also contains the introductory comments (above).
Merriment / Cheer
Gluttony

Words & Concepts that are a part of this study:

A focus on words often associated with "fun" - PLEASURE, LAUGHTER, HAPPINESS and CHEER

PLEASURE
LAUGHTER
HAPPY and CHEERFUL (two closely related studies)
MERRIMENT / CHEER (added at a later date)

A focus on WORDS and TALK (including joking, etc.)

A focus on FOOLS and FOOLISHNESS - concepts which the Bible often links with the use of one's mouth!

FOOLS / FOOLISHNESS

These concepts should also impact our perspective on what our conduct should be like:

A focus on CONTROLLING ONESELF and SELF-CONTROL - these are often absent, when people are engaged in "frivolous fellowship."

Here is a link to another group of studies about SELF-CONTROL. (They are not a part of this specific study.)

[This is an in-depth group of studies, based on 3 New Testament Greek word groups. Some of the verses will overlap with the verses found in the above two studies. The concepts examined are: 1) soundness of mind, 2) being "sober-minded" (having "clear thinking"), and 3) strength to control one's actions.]

Studies on the topic of "SELF CONTROL"

Some verses about the "gluttony" aspect of "frivolous fellowship"

This was not the main focus of this study. But if you are interested in this issue, here are some verses that might help you begin your own study.

Gluttony