GENEROUSLY GIVEN TO ALL

Shortcut Summary

In this message, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola continue a study from Titus 3, focusing on the statement that God "shed" or generously poured out the Holy Spirit upon believers through Jesus Christ. They explain that God's giving is never partial or limited but overflowing and abundant. A major emphasis of the teaching is demonstrating that God's kindness, salvation, and outpouring are directed toward all mankind, not a select group of people. The pastors encourage believers to renew their minds in the truth of what God has already accomplished, so that the Holy Spirit can increasingly work through their lives.

Table of Contents

1. Continuing the Previous Teaching
2. The Holy Spirit Was Generously Poured Out
3. Looking at Scripture in Context
4. The Importance of the Word "Toward Man"
5. Comparing Bible Translations
6. The Promise Is for All Humanity
7. Renewal Releases What God Has Already Given
8. Living in the Reality of the Holy Spirit
9. Final Encouragement

Continuing the Previous Teaching

Pastor Leonard begins by welcoming everyone back and explaining that this message is a continuation of the previous teaching. Both he and Pastor Lori felt there was much more to discover from the passage in Titus, especially concerning the phrase describing how God poured out His Spirit.

Rather than moving on to another topic, they sensed the Lord wanted them to examine the wording more carefully. Pastor Lori begins by reading the key verse that became the foundation of the discussion.

Titus 3:6–7- "Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

The pastors immediately focus on the words "shed on us abundantly." Pastor Leonard explains that the original idea behind this expression is one of lavish giving rather than measured giving. God did not carefully ration His Spirit or provide only enough to meet a minimum requirement. Instead, He poured Him out.

Pastor Lori expands this thought by describing the picture of something being poured until it gushes, overflows, spills out, and continues flowing without restraint. She explains that God never asks Himself whether He has given enough. His nature is one of abundance. His giving always exceeds human expectation because He Himself is infinitely generous. The pastors emphasize that this is consistent with God's character throughout Scripture.

Pastor Leonard then points to another passage illustrating God's abundant nature.

Ephesians 3:20- "Now unto him that can do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,"

He explains that God consistently acts beyond human limitation. His works are described as exceeding, abundant, and beyond imagination. Therefore, believers should understand that the Holy Spirit was not given in a limited measure but in overwhelming abundance. The discussion naturally moves from what Scripture says to how believers often feel. Pastor Leonard openly admits that he does not always feel this overflowing reality in everyday life. There are times when he easily recognizes the Holy Spirit's presence, but there are also times when those feelings are absent. Instead of allowing feelings to determine truth, he chooses to let Scripture define reality. He explains that he desires to experience inwardly what God has already declared outwardly—that the generous outpouring within him becomes an outward outpouring that blesses others as well.

The Holy Spirit Was Generously Poured Out

Pastor Leonard then asks an important question that naturally arose while studying the passage. How can someone know this promise belongs to them?

He explains that many believers simply read a verse and immediately assume its application. However, careful Bible study requires examining the surrounding context to determine exactly who is being addressed. He explains that while reading Titus, he wanted definite proof that the abundant outpouring described in the passage applied universally and was not intended only for a particular group of people. He returns to the larger passage.

Titus 3:4–7- "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

He carefully explains the reasoning process he followed while studying. He noticed that verse six clearly states that God abundantly poured out the Holy Spirit. However, he wanted to know who exactly the "us" referred to. Rather than assuming the answer, he continued studying the verses surrounding it. His conclusion was that context must answer context. As he examined the earlier verses, he discovered what he believed was the key expression that answers the entire question. The King James Version says,

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared."

Pastor Leonard explains that this phrase became the turning point of the study. He points out that the word "man" is not referring to a select class of people but to humanity itself. He further explains that the underlying Greek word carries the idea of love for mankind or affection toward humanity. It is related to the English word "philanthropy," which describes a love and generosity directed toward people. Because God's kindness appeared "toward man," the entire context becomes universal in scope.

Therefore, when verse six says God abundantly shed the Holy Spirit upon "us," the pastors conclude that the promise extends to all mankind rather than only a limited audience. This discovery dramatically strengthened their confidence that God's kindness, salvation, grace, and generous giving were intended for humanity as a whole.

Looking at Scripture in Context

Pastor Leonard explains that while reading Titus 3, he began asking himself an important question: "How do I know this promise is for me? How do I know it is for everyone?" Rather than simply assuming the answer, he chose to study the surrounding verses. He emphasizes that proper Bible study requires examining Scripture in its context. Instead of isolating one verse, believers should read what comes before and after it to understand exactly who is being addressed and what the passage is teaching.

Returning to the passage, Pastor Leonard explains that although Titus 3:6 clearly says God generously poured out the Holy Spirit, he wanted to know who the recipients of that outpouring were. He did not want to base his understanding on feelings or assumptions but on what the Scriptures themselves revealed.

Titus 3:4–7- "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

As he carefully examined the context, he noticed that verses four and five describe God's kindness, love, mercy, salvation, regeneration, and renewal before mentioning the abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This showed him that verse six cannot be separated from the surrounding verses. The generous outpouring is part of the same gracious work of God that includes His kindness, mercy, salvation, and justification.

Pastor Leonard explains that his question had not yet been fully answered. While the passage clearly described what God had done, he still wanted to identify whether the promise was directed only to a particular group or to humanity as a whole. He continued searching the text, believing that the answer would be found within the context itself rather than through personal opinion.

He stresses that this is an important principle for every believer. Scripture should interpret Scripture. Rather than building doctrine on a single phrase or verse, Christians should examine the surrounding context carefully, allowing the passage to explain itself. This careful approach eventually led him to discover what he believed was the key phrase that answered his question: the words "toward man" found in Titus 3:4. That discovery became the foundation for the remainder of the sermon, as he concluded that God's kindness, mercy, salvation, and generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit are presented in this passage as being directed toward all mankind.

The Importance of the Word %22Toward Man%22

Pastor Leonard explains that one of the most valuable habits a believer can develop is studying Scripture beyond a single translation. Although he had initially been reading from the New Living Translation, something caused him to pause and investigate further. Rather than accepting one translation without question, he wanted to discover exactly what the original language was communicating. Returning to the King James Version, he noticed a phrase that immediately caught his attention.

Titus 3:4–7- "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

His attention centered on the words "toward man." He explains that if those words truly referred to humanity as a whole, then the context of the entire passage changes dramatically. Rather than seeing God's kindness directed toward only a select group, the passage would instead reveal God's kindness toward all mankind.

Pastor Lori agrees that this is an important observation because it answers the very question Pastor Leonard had been asking while reading the passage. The discussion then turns to the Greek word translated "man." Pastor Leonard explains that the Greek word is "philanthropia," the word from which the English word "philanthropy" is derived. He explains that when people hear the word philanthropist today, they usually think of someone who loves people and generously gives to improve the lives of others.

Likewise, the Greek word carries the idea of affection, kindness, and love toward mankind. Instead of referring to one race, one nation, one denomination, or one special class of believers, the expression refers to humanity itself. This discovery excites both pastors because it confirms that God's kindness was revealed toward humankind.

As they continue discussing the passage, they repeatedly emphasize that God's salvation and His generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit are rooted in His love for humanity rather than humanity's performance. The passage itself makes this abundantly clear.

Titus 3:4–7- "But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life."

Pastor Leonard reminds listeners that verse five specifically says salvation did not come because of righteous works. Instead, salvation came because of God's mercy. Likewise, the generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit was not earned by human effort. It was given because of God's gracious character. This reinforces one of the central themes of the sermon: everything begins with God's goodness rather than man's goodness.

Comparing Bible Translations

Pastor Leonard next shares an experience from his personal Bible study that surprised him. After discovering the phrase "toward man" in the King James Version, he became curious whether other translations preserved the same wording.

Instead of checking only one or two versions, he compared approximately twenty different Bible translations. His findings were unexpected. Only about half of the translations included wording that clearly expressed God's kindness toward mankind. The remaining translations omitted or reworded the expression enough that a reader could easily overlook the universal emphasis of the passage. This observation becomes an important teaching moment. Pastor Leonard makes it clear that he is not promoting one translation over another.

Instead, he encourages believers to avoid becoming dependent upon only one translation. Every translation has strengths, and careful Bible students should compare them whenever possible. He explains that this practice allows believers to notice wording differences that may deserve additional study.

Rather than accepting every translation without examination, Christians should investigate the original language whenever an important theological point appears to hinge on a particular phrase.

This is why he values resources such as Strong's Concordance, which connect readers with the underlying Greek and Hebrew words. He explains that studying beyond the English wording often provides additional clarity that strengthens confidence in what Scripture is actually teaching.

Pastor Leonard then introduces an idea that has become foundational in his personal approach to studying Scripture. He says that he reads the Bible through what he calls "filters." These filters help him recognize whether a particular wording agrees with the larger message of Scripture. He briefly mentions the filters he often teaches:

"I Am."
"I Can."
"I Have."

These filters continually remind him of the believer's identity in Christ, what Christ has accomplished, and what God has already provided through grace. As he reads, these truths help him recognize passages that deserve closer examination whenever a translation appears inconsistent with the broader message of God's grace. Pastor Lori agrees that having proper filters is essential. Together they emphasize that the goal is never to criticize Bible translations. Rather, the goal is to continue searching, investigating, and comparing until the intended meaning becomes clear.

Their study of Titus convinced them that the phrase "toward man" is significant because it demonstrates that God's kindness extends to all humanity. Without that phrase, someone might mistakenly conclude that the generous outpouring of the Holy Spirit applies only to a limited group of people. With that phrase restored to its proper emphasis, however, the passage becomes much clearer. The kindness of God appeared toward mankind. The mercy of God is directed toward mankind. The abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit is connected with God's love for mankind. Because of that, the promise belongs to every member of the human race. Pastor Leonard encourages listeners to keep studying, keep searching, and never stop digging into God's Word. The more believers investigate Scripture carefully, the greater their confidence becomes in the goodness and generosity of God.

The Promise Is for All Humanity

Renewal Releases What God Has Already Given

After establishing that the Holy Spirit has been abundantly given to all through Jesus Christ, Pastor Leonard shifts the focus from what God has done to how believers experience that reality in their daily lives. He explains that the issue is not whether God has withheld any portion of the Holy Spirit, but whether believers are becoming renewed in the truth of who they already are in Christ.

Pastor Leonard declares that because the Holy Spirit has already been poured out abundantly within him, he has no excuse for believing he has received only a small portion. Instead, he recognizes that all of the Holy Spirit already lives within him. As his mind is renewed to this truth, he expects that inward reality to increasingly influence every area of his life. He explains that the more he becomes renewed into who he is and whose he is, the more he is transformed. This transformation is not something he produces through his own effort. Rather, it is the result of the Holy Spirit working within him as he comes into agreement with the truth of God's Word.

Pastor Lori responds by affirming that this promise belongs equally to every believer. She explains that God does not distribute the Holy Spirit in unequal amounts. He does not give one believer a little more and another believer a little less. Because the Holy Spirit is a Person, He cannot be divided into portions. Instead, every believer receives the same Holy Spirit whom God has generously poured out through Jesus Christ. The word "generously" itself demonstrates God's character. He does not measure out His Spirit sparingly or reluctantly. His giving is complete, abundant, and overflowing.

Pastor Leonard continues by explaining that as believers become renewed and transformed, they increasingly experience what has already been given to them. He emphasizes that this transformation is God's work. He reminds listeners that they are God's workmanship and God's creation. Therefore, spiritual growth is not the result of striving to earn more of God's presence but of allowing the truth of God's grace to renew the mind.
As believers grow in the knowledge of:

• who they are,
• whose they are,
• and what God has already accomplished,

the Holy Spirit is increasingly free to express His life through them. This does not mean that believers receive additional portions of the Holy Spirit over time. Rather, it means that their minds become increasingly aligned with the reality of what has already been accomplished through Christ. Pastor Leonard is careful to clarify an important point. He says this process should not be understood as repeatedly receiving more of the Holy Spirit or being "refilled" with additional portions of Him.

Instead, believers were already filled when God generously poured out His Spirit. What changes is not the amount of the Holy Spirit within them, but the degree to which their souls are awakened and renewed to that reality. As renewal takes place, the life of the Holy Spirit becomes increasingly evident—not only within the believer but also through the believer's actions, attitudes, and relationships.

Pastor Leonard describes this as becoming "filled in our bodies to overflowing." The Holy Spirit's work is no longer simply an inward reality but becomes an outward expression that blesses and ministers to others. The abundant outpouring that God placed within believers begins to overflow from their lives, allowing them to touch and bless those around them.

Living in the Reality of the Holy Spirit

As the message draws to a close, Pastor Leonard invites Pastor Lori to share some of her personal thoughts about living with the reality of the Holy Spirit. He remarks that although she often does not know in advance what he is going to teach, she consistently contributes insights that complement the message. He encourages her to share what the Holy Spirit has been showing her in her own walk with the Lord.

Pastor Lori explains that one of the Holy Spirit's primary ministries in her life is revealing the realities of who believers truly are in Christ. She says that as she reads God's Word, the Holy Spirit brings the Scriptures to life. Rather than remaining merely words on a page, the truths of Scripture become living realities through His work within her.

She shares that the more she realizes the Holy Spirit is truly living within her, the more meaningful and exciting the Bible becomes. Every time she reads God's Word with that awareness, it comes alive in a deeper way. As a result, she says her life continues to get "better and better and better every day" because she consciously places the Holy Spirit at the forefront of her thinking rather than treating Him as a distant reality.

Pastor Lori reminds listeners that the same mighty power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead now lives within every believer. She emphasizes that this is not a different or lesser Spirit, but the very same Holy Spirit. She describes Him as God's "dunamis" power—the mighty, miraculous power of God at work within believers. As Christians become increasingly aware of His presence, they begin living from that reality instead of relying on their own natural abilities. Her testimony reinforces one of the central themes of the sermon: the Holy Spirit has already been generously given. The believer's growth comes through recognizing and living in the reality of that gift rather than striving to obtain something God has not yet provided.

Pastor Leonard responds by saying that Pastor Lori's comments remind him of something he taught in a previous Sunday message. Although he does not have time to develop that subject during this teaching, he encourages listeners to return and watch that earlier message to gain a fuller understanding of the truth he has in mind.

He then closes by thanking everyone for joining them, expressing appreciation for the prayers, cards, letters, gifts, and offerings they have received. He also invites anyone desiring prayer or wishing to contact the ministry to visit their website, where additional information and ministry resources are available. The pastors conclude by expressing their love and gratitude to those watching and promise to return soon with another message.

Thank you for taking the time to read this teaching, "GENEROUSLY GIVEN TO ALL." Throughout this message, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola emphasize the overwhelming generosity of God as revealed in Titus 3. They remind believers that salvation, righteousness, and the abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit are gifts of God's grace, made possible through Jesus Christ and directed toward all mankind. As we renew our minds to the truth of who we are and whose we are in Christ, the Holy Spirit increasingly works through our lives to reveal His power, transform our hearts, and bless those around us.

We hope this article blessed and encouraged you. If this teaching strengthened your understanding of God's grace and generosity, consider sharing it with others so they too can be encouraged by the wonderful truth of God's abundant love and the gift of the Holy Spirit generously given through Jesus Christ.