Burden to Impart:

As Christians we should be the most genuine people in our character. On the one hand we should never be deceiving, dishonest, or false. On the other hand we should always be honest, true, and genuine. In ancient times the stage actors changed roles by changing their masks. By covering up their real face with a mask they could pretend they were someone else. These were called the "hypocrites." As God s children, we should not be false or liars; we should not be actors, hypocrites, or pretenders. We must practice to be sincere, honest, truthful, and the same within as what we express without. We should be genuine. In this way we will be persons who can make the reality of Christ known and believed by others.

Facts to Teach:

1. As Christians we should be the most genuine people in our character. On the negative side, we should never be deceiving, dishonest, or false. On the positive side we should be genuine, honest, true, and real.
2. As Christians, we are testifying to all people that the Lord Jesus is real, that He rose from the dead, and He lives in us. In order for our testimony to be believed by others they must see that we are genuine in our faith. They will judge what we are on the inside by what they see on the outside, in our conduct.
3. In ancient times the stage actors would change their role by simply changing their mask. By covering up their real face with a mask they could pretend they were someone else. These were called "hypocrites."
4. When we cover up the truth in any way-by lying, pretending, deceiving, telling only part of the story, leaving out something that should not be left out, etc. we are not being genuine. We are being untrue, unreal, false, pretentious--a "hypocrite."
5. Everything and everyone that is not genuine will eventually be exposed, for they are not real. Time eventually causes what is on the inside to be seen, and what is on the outside to fall away. People who are not genuine may be well-liked at first, but later on they are not much respected. Counterfeit money is not usually discovered right away. Later on, however, it is found to be worth nothing and is thrown away or burned.
6. Everything and everyone that is genuine will eventually beproved by time. The passing of time never changes what is genuine. Rather, it shows its true nature. The gold-plated ring that is actually made of cheap brass looks pretty if you don't wear it. However, if you wear it, it will eventually wear off the gold-plating on the surface. Then the brass will turn your finger green.
7. As God's children, we should not be false or liars. We should not be actors, hypocrites, or pretenders. We must practice to be sincere, to be honest, to be truthful, to be the same within as what we express without. We should be genuine. In this way we will be persons who can make the reality of Christ known and believed on by others.
8. 1. Judas' kiss and friendship was not genuine (Matt. 26:49-50). Jesus' was.
   2. Ananias' and Sapphira's consecration was not genuine. Barnabas' was (Acts 4:34, 5:5).