Wall to Wall Workers - Part 2

I. Introduction

A. Review

Last week we began looking at the workers who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. We saw the variety of workers, their character, and the important lessons for us today.

B. Today’s Focus

Today we continue examining Nehemiah 3, focusing on:

1. The gates and their significance
2. More lessons from the workers
3. Practical application for our lives

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II. The Gates of Jerusalem

A. The Sheep Gate (v.1)

1. Where sacrifices entered the city
2. Represents worship and sacrifice
3. The priests built this gate - appropriately

Application: Is the gate of worship secure in your life?

B. The Fish Gate (v.3)

1. Where fish from the Sea of Galilee entered
2. Represents evangelism - “fishers of men”
3. Also represents provision and commerce

Application: Are you fishing for souls?

C. The Old Gate (v.6)

1. Also called the Jeshanah Gate
2. Represents the old paths, the foundations
3. The truths that don’t change

Application: Are you holding to the old paths of Scripture?

D. The Valley Gate (v.13)

1. Led down into the valley
2. Represents humility and low points in life
3. Everyone goes through valleys

Application: How do you handle the valleys of life?

E. The Dung Gate (v.14)

1. Where refuse was taken out of the city
2. Represents removing the garbage from our lives
3. Some things just need to be thrown out

Application: What garbage needs to go out of your life?

F. The Fountain Gate (v.15)

1. Near the pool of Siloam
2. Represents refreshment and the Holy Spirit
3. The source of living water

Application: Are you being refreshed by God’s Spirit?

G. The Water Gate (v.26)

1. No repairs needed - it was intact
2. Represents the Word of God which never fails
3. Later, Ezra read the law here (Nehemiah 8)

Application: Is your relationship with God’s Word intact?

H. The Horse Gate (v.28)

1. Where horses entered for battle
2. Represents spiritual warfare
3. We are in a battle

Application: Are you prepared for spiritual battle?

I. The East Gate (v.29)

1. Faces the rising sun
2. Represents the coming of the Lord
3. Jesus will return through the Eastern Gate

Application: Are you ready for His return?

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III. More Lessons from the Workers

A. Some Did More Than Their Share

1. Baruch “earnestly repaired” his section (v.20)
2. The Tekoites repaired two sections (v.5, 27)
3. Some go above and beyond

B. Some Worked Near Their Homes

1. “Everyone over against his house” (v.28-30)
2. They had personal interest in the work
3. They protected what was close to them

C. The Work Was Connected

1. Each section joined to the next
2. No gaps in the wall
3. Unity was essential

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IV. Application

1. Which gate needs attention in your life?
2. Are you willing to do more than your share?
3. What is nearest to you that needs rebuilding?
4. Are you connected with other believers in the work?
5. Is there a gap that you could fill?

The wall was only as strong as its weakest point. Every section mattered. Every gate mattered. Your part matters too.