For the Sake of Others | Philippians 2:1–18
Speaker: Martin O’Brien
As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Martin O’Brien explored how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us through five simple, intentional actions.
Throughout this series, we've been reminded that following Jesus isn't simply about our own faith and spiritual growth. It's about allowing His love to transform us so that we can become a blessing to others.
But what does that look like in everyday life?
How can we practically live for the sake of others?
In Philippians 2, Paul gives us a powerful reminder:
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” — Philippians 2:4
As we make Jesus the centre of our lives, we begin to make more room for others in our hearts.
And often, making a difference begins with small, intentional acts.
Martin shared five practical ways we can change someone's day.
1. Notice — See the People Around You
Sometimes the simplest way to make a difference is to notice someone.
Earlier in our series, we explored Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan.
The priest, the Temple assistant and the Samaritan all saw the same injured man lying beside the road. But only the Samaritan responded with compassion and crossed the road to help.
The difference wasn't what they saw.
It was how they responded.
How often do we walk into places without really noticing the people around us?
We can become so focused on our own plans, responsibilities and routines that we miss the opportunities God places right in front of us.
Perhaps someone is feeling lonely.
Perhaps someone is struggling.
Perhaps someone simply needs to know that they matter.
Living for the sake of others begins with opening our eyes and paying attention.
The challenge: Who will you notice this week?
When you walk into a room, instead of thinking only about what you need to do, ask yourself, who needs to be seen today?
2. Encourage — Speak Life Into Others
Encouragement is one of the simplest gifts we can give, yet it can be one of the most valuable.
In Acts 11:22–26, we read about Barnabas, a man known for his faith, his relationship with the Holy Spirit and his ability to encourage others.
When Barnabas arrived in Antioch and saw what God was doing among the believers, he was filled with joy and encouraged them to remain faithful to the Lord.
Barnabas recognised God's work in people's lives and took the opportunity to strengthen and encourage them.
We can do the same.
Encouragement doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
It might be sending a message to someone you haven't seen for a while.
Making a phone call to check how someone is doing.
Writing a card or letter.
Offering a genuine compliment.
Thanking someone for something they have done.
Or simply reminding someone that they are valued and appreciated.
Sometimes a few thoughtful words can make an enormous difference to someone's day.
Encouragement costs very little, but its value can be immeasurable.
The challenge: Who will you encourage this week?
3. Include — Make Room for Others
Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently made room for people who were often overlooked, excluded or forgotten.
In Luke 14, Jesus challenges those around Him to think differently about hospitality and inclusion.
Rather than simply inviting people who could repay their kindness, He encouraged them to welcome those who had little or nothing to offer in return.
Jesus demonstrated a love that went beyond familiar friendships and comfortable social circles.
He welcomed the outsider.
He noticed the overlooked.
He spent time with those others might have ignored.
And He invites us to do the same.
Living for the sake of others means being intentional about including people in our lives.
Who might feel left out?
Who could benefit from an invitation?
Who might appreciate being included in a conversation, a gathering or a meal?
Sometimes inclusion is as simple as inviting someone for a coffee, making space at the table or spending time with someone we wouldn't normally spend time with.
One invitation can open a door. One meal can change a relationship.
The challenge: Who will you include this week?
4. Serve — Put Love Into Action
Galatians 5:13 gives us a clear instruction:
“Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
Serving others is one of the most practical ways we can demonstrate the love of Jesus.
It's where love becomes visible.
We can talk about caring for people, but genuine love often requires us to do something.
To give our time.
To offer our abilities.
To help carry someone else's burden.
To put another person's needs before our own.
Jesus Himself demonstrated this throughout His life.
He didn't simply speak about love and service. He lived it.
As His followers, we are called to have that same attitude.
Serving doesn't always require a big commitment or a special role. Sometimes it's helping someone with a practical task, offering support during a difficult time or simply being available when someone needs us.
We are servants of Christ, called to serve one another in love.
The challenge: Who will you serve this week?
5. Point — Help Others Discover Jesus
The fifth and final action brings us back to the heart of our calling as followers of Jesus.
We are called to point people towards Him.
In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul reminds us:
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.”
As Christ's ambassadors, we represent Jesus wherever we go.
Our words, attitudes and actions should help people see something of Him.
And while we can love, encourage and serve others, we also have the opportunity to share the reason behind that love.
We can point people towards Jesus.
That might mean offering to pray for someone.
Sharing a story of how God has worked in our lives.
Inviting someone to church.
Having a conversation about faith.
Or simply living in a way that causes someone to ask what makes us different.
We cannot save people ourselves. That is God's work through Jesus.
But we have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation and invited to partner with Him in helping others discover His love.
Everything we do should ultimately point people towards Jesus.
The challenge: Who can you point towards Jesus this week?
What If We All Did These Five Things?
Imagine what could happen if each of us intentionally practised these five things.
What if we all made an effort to notice someone who might otherwise be overlooked?
What if we encouraged someone who was struggling?
What if we included someone who felt left out?
What if we served someone without expecting anything in return?
What if we helped someone take a step towards Jesus?
These might seem like small actions, but together they could make a significant difference in our families, workplaces, friendships and communities.
And we don't have to do everything at once.
Martin left us with a simple challenge for the week ahead:
Notice one person.
Encourage one person.
Include one person.
Serve one person.
Point one person towards Jesus.
Just one.
One person. One opportunity. One intentional act of love.
Changing the World Starts With Changing Someone's Day
Throughout our For the Sake of Others series, we've explored what it means to live as followers of Jesus in a way that makes a difference to the people around us.
We've been reminded that:
We have been blessed for the sake of others.
We are Christ's ambassadors for the sake of others.
We cross the road for the sake of others.
We live for Christ for the sake of others.
We are the salt of the earth for the sake of others.
And now we are challenged to put all of this into practice through the small, everyday opportunities God places before us.
Philippians 2 reminds us to have the same attitude as Jesus, who humbled Himself and gave His life in service to others.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our hearts should increasingly reflect His love, humility and compassion.
We don't need to wait for extraordinary opportunities to make a difference.
We can start right where we are.
In our homes.
In our workplaces.
In our church.
In our community.
With the people God has placed around us.
We have been blessed so that we can become a blessing to others.
So this week, let's be intentional.
Let's notice, encourage, include, serve and point people towards Jesus.
Because sometimes, changing the world begins with something as simple as changing someone's day.
For the sake of others.