Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post.

Text: Zechariah 1:5
“Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?”

Title: The Prophets: Do They Live Forever?

Introduction: Jeremiah and Zephaniah prophesied before the Babylonian captivity; Ezekiel and Daniel during; Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi afterward.

I. The Work of God is Greater Than Us—“The former prophets” (Zechariah 1:4; 7:7)

A. “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh” (Ecclesiastes 1:4)

B. “...the Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan...” (Joshua 1:1–2)

C. “...and thou mayest add thereto” (1 Chronicles 22:14)

II. The Word of God Is More Powerful Than Our Word

A. “Did they not take hold of your fathers?” (Zechariah 1:6)

B. “Should I weep...as I have done?” (Zechariah 7:3)

C. “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:1)

III. The Will of God Is More Important Than Our Will

A. “Before I die” (3 times in the Bible)—I want to:

B. “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:17)

C. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24)

Conclusion: It has been said, “Life is like a coin. You can spend it any which way you wish, but you can only spend it once.” Invest the coin of your life in eternity because the work of God is greater than us, the Word of God is more powerful than our word, and the will of God is more important than our will.