"FRIVOLOUS FAKE FELLOWSHIP"
A group of studies exploring the "frivolous" nature of much of today's "fellowship."

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?

About these studies:

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.

Concepts related to attitudes and talking:

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

• PLEASURE

• LAUGHTER

• HAPPY and CHEERFUL (two closely related concepts)

• MERRIMENT / CHEER

 

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

• WORDS (the use of them)

• TALKING (Misc. Related Words: Speech, Talk, Joking, Mocking)

 

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

• FOOLS / FOOLISHNESS

Concepts related to our general conduct:

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

• CONTROL (the general concept of controlling things - some of the verses are applicable to this study; some aren't)

• SELF-CONTROL

SEE ALSO: Another group of studies about SELF-CONTROL, 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"

Dennis Hinks © 1999, 2004
041221