Part 2 | Seize the Moment
2 Corinthians 8, 9 | November 2, 2025
Dr. Mark S. Hartman, Lead Pastor - SCBC
Philippians 1:6 God who has begun a good work in us will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.
1. THE FIRST STEP IS TO BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE.
A. Jesus gives us the example of sacrifice.
1. 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. (NIV)
2. To sacrifice is to give up something important to us for God to use instead.
B. We can’t give back to God equally because some have more than others. We are not to have equal gifts to God, but we are to have equal sacrifice.
C. 2 Corinthians 8:5 The Macedonian Christians did not do what we expected. They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.
2. THE SECOND STEP IS TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ATTITUDE IN OUR GIVING. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
2 Corinthians 9:7 Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
A. Give decisively.
1. Decisive giving is “giving with conviction” based upon:
a. Obedience to God’s Word,
b. Prayer, and
c. Giving what God tells you to give.
2. Decisive giving is praying and then obeying what God tells you to give.
B. Give voluntarily.
C. Give cheerfully.
1. The Greek word for cheerfully is the Greek word hilaros, which means hilarious.
2. We can give with joy when we give for the right reasons:
a. We give to God out of our love for Him.
b. We give to God out of our gratitude.
c. We give to God out of our faith.
2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. (NIV)
d. We give to God out of our desire to partner with God in His goals.
3. THE PROMISE: GOD WILL ALWAYS MEET MY NEEDS WHEN I TRUST HIM. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.