Apprehension

Pastor Hilton opens his message by reading Philippians 3:7-14, where Paul declares that he counts all his achievements as loss for the excellency of knowing Christ. He emphasizes that Paul, despite his impressive religious pedigree—a Pharisee, a Hebrew of Hebrews, blameless in the law—still considered everything as dung that he might win Christ. Pastor Hilton focuses on the word 'apprehension,' explaining its two meanings: fear of the unknown, and the act of grasping or laying hold of something. He urges the congregation not to be hesitant or fearful about reaching for what God has for them. Using Paul's example, he illustrates that believers must learn to forget both past successes and past failures in order to press forward toward the prize of the high calling. Successes can become obstacles if we hold them too tightly, leaving no room for more from God. Failures, likewise, can paralyze us if we dwell on them. Pastor Hilton stresses the importance of contentment in material things, quoting 1 Timothy 6:6-10, so that our focus shifts to seeking first the kingdom of God. He challenges the church to stop being apprehensive and instead begin apprehending—to reach out with open hands and receive the gifts God has already prepared, including righteousness, godliness, faith, love, and ultimately eternal life. He concludes by calling the congregation to come to the altar, lay hold on what God is offering, and move from fear to faith.