Where to Begin

I. Introduction

A. The Challenge of Beginning

When everything is broken and in ruins, where do you start? This is the question that faced Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem. The walls were destroyed, the gates burned, everything lay in rubble.

B. Nehemiah’s Answer

Nehemiah chapter 3 is one of the most practical chapters in the Bible for anyone who needs to rebuild something in their life. It shows us:

1. Where to begin
2. How to organize the work
3. Who should be involved
4. What attitudes to bring

---

II. Message - Where to Begin (Nehemiah 3)

A. Begin Where You Are

1. The builders in chapter 3 each worked on the section of wall nearest to their own house
2. They didn’t try to fix someone else’s section first
3. They started with what was closest to them

Application: Start with yourself. Start with your own home. Start with what is immediately before you.

B. Begin with the Gates

1. The first thing mentioned is the Sheep Gate (v.1)
2. Gates represent entry points - what comes in and goes out of your life
3. If you don’t control the gates, the walls are useless

The gates mentioned:

• Sheep Gate - where sacrifices entered (worship)
• Fish Gate - commerce and provision
• Old Gate - traditions and foundations
• Valley Gate - low points and humility
• Dung Gate - removal of waste
• Fountain Gate - refreshment and life
• Water Gate - the Word of God
• Horse Gate - battle and strength
• East Gate - the coming of the Lord
• Miphkad Gate - inspection and judgment

C. Begin Together

1. Notice how many different groups are mentioned in chapter 3
2. Priests, rulers, merchants, goldsmiths, perfumers, women, men
3. Everyone had a part to play
4. No one was too important - or too unimportant - to work

D. Begin with What You Can Do

1. Some repaired small sections
2. Others repaired larger portions
3. Each did what they could
4. The small contributions mattered as much as the large ones

E. Begin Despite Opposition

1. Some nobles “put not their necks to the work” (v.5)
2. But the others worked anyway
3. Don’t wait for everyone to get on board
4. Start even if others won’t help

---

III. Principles for Rebuilding

A. Start Now

1. Don’t wait for perfect conditions
2. Don’t wait until you feel ready
3. The best time to start is today

B. Start Small

1. You don’t have to rebuild everything at once
2. Focus on one section at a time
3. Small progress is still progress

C. Start Together

1. Find others who will work alongside you
2. The church is meant to be a team
3. We need each other to rebuild

D. Start with Prayer

1. Nehemiah prayed before he built
2. Commit your rebuilding to God
3. Trust Him for the strength and resources

---

IV. Application

1. What area of your life needs rebuilding?
2. What is the nearest “section of wall” to you?
3. Who can you work alongside?
4. What gate (entry point) needs to be secured?
5. Are you willing to start today?

Remember: The wall was built because everyone did their part, working on what was nearest to them. You can do the same in your life, your family, your relationships, and your walk with God.