1. Are We An “Imitation” or “Genuine” Believer?
Richard Thetford

2. Richard Thetford www.thetfordcountry.com
Introduction
Imitation: “to be like in appearance; made to resemble something else, usually something superior or genuine”
Genuine: “really being what it is said to be; true; authentic; sincere; without hypocrisy”
Self-examination is critical for the faithful child of God. Continual scrutinization must take place to avoid having a counterfeit faith
Richard Thetford

3. The “Genuine” Believer
Is sanctified by the Spirit of God
1 Peter 1:2
Apostles preached repentance and forgiveness
Luke 24:46-49
Baptized for remission of sins
Acts 2:38
Acts 2:47
Richard Thetford

4. The “Genuine” Believer
Is a redeemed person through the sprinkling of the blood of Christ
1 Peter 1:18-19
Romans 6:16-18
John 8:32
Calls upon God with the knowledge that His Father will judge him in the last day
1 Peter 1:17; Hebrews 4:13
Richard Thetford

5. The “Genuine” Believer
Is a child of obedience
1 Peter 1:14
Is one who endeavors to be holy as God is holy
1 Peter 1:15-16
Galatians 2:20
Richard Thetford

6. The “Genuine” Believer
Possesses a living hope which anchors his life
1 Peter 1:3
Does not fashion his life through the lusts of this world in ignorance
1 Peter 1:14
Romans 12:1-2
Richard Thetford

7. The “Genuine” Believer
Purifies his soul
1 Peter 1:22
1 John 8-9
Loves his brethren with a love that is unfeigned
Richard Thetford

8. Richard Thetford www.thetfordcountry.com
Conclusion
A real believer fears God
1 Peter 1:17
Recognizes that God is the judge
Reverences and respects God’s Word
Understands that God is a consuming fire
Understands that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God
Richard Thetford

9. Richard Thetford www.thetfordcountry.com
Conclusion
God knows if you are “genuine”, the real thing, or just an “imitation” or a hypocrite. It would be good that we also know which one we are. If we are “imitation”, then we need to be transformed into the “real thing”
Judgment is “genuine”
Richard Thetford