A FATHER-IN-LAW'S ADVICE Exodus 18:23 I. Introduction. A. Advice comes in two categories: good and/or bad. B. It is sometimes difficult to listen to others: especially "in-laws." C. However, Moses father-in-law did offer excellent advice: Exodus 18:23. 1. What did he suggest: Make judges to assist in making decisions. 2. Moses reaction: Exodus 18:24. a. Chose "able men"(v. 25). b. Later-God would approve "judges" as appropriate leaders. D. The rest of the advice: "Thou shalt be able to endure." E. Endure: What does it mean/what is involved? 1. Greek: To be able; to bear up under; to hold up; to bear courageously. 2. English: To stand; bear; undergo. II. Body. A. God endures forever: Psalm 102:26. 1. At least 43 times in Old Testament, it is said "his mercy endures forever." 2. Of Christ--His name endures forever: Psalm 72:17. a. Of His followers: Psalm 89:29, 36. b. And he would say: Matthew 24:13. B. The expectation for Christians is that we endure forever. 1. Israel had a problem along this line: Hebrews 12:20. a. Should have realized: Proverbs 27:24. b. Peter stated: II Peter 3:11-12. 2. Learn to endure: a. For self: II Thessalonians 1:4. b. For others: II Timothy 2:10. 3. Yet--realize some will not endure: a. Sound doctrine: II Timothy 4:3. (1 Not able to accept because of carnal mind. (2 Like those of old "prophesy smooth things." b. Temptations: James 1:12. (1 Strong: would not be "tempting" otherwise. (2 Growth, strength & determination can lead one to endure. 4. Some things it seems impossible to endure: Esther 8:6. a. Losses, disappointments, sadness, etc. b. Often tied to materialism. 5. Some things endure(KJ) temporarily: Psalm 30:5. a. Afflictions: II Timothy 4:5. b. Chastening: Hebrews 12:7. c. Grief: I Peter 2:19. d. "These things, too, shall pass." 6. But--love endures all things: I Corinthians 13:7. a. Motivated Jesus Christ. b. Love for Christ, for good, for family, etc.--will lead one to endure. II. Conclusion. A. A question: Ezekiel 22:14. B. An answer: James 5:11.-jy