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Thy Kingdom Come | The Intoxicated Church | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21 | Dr. Bryan Loritts

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By Rosalyn Pryor

 



Thy Kingdom Come | The Intoxicated Church | Sunday, May 31, 2026 | Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-21 | Dr. Bryan Loritts

Overview

Dr. Bryan Loritts emphasized the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, drawing parallels from Ephesians 5:15-21. He highlighted the need for the church to rely on the Spirit rather than human strength, using the analogy of endurance athletes Katie Spots and Laura Decker to illustrate different approaches to overcoming challenges. Loritts criticized the therapeutic age's over-reliance on human counselors and stressed the necessity of the Holy Spirit's guidance. He also shared personal anecdotes to illustrate the practical implications of being filled with the Spirit, particularly in marriage, and concluded with a call for congregants to relinquish control to the Holy Spirit.

Outline

Ephesians 5:15-21 and the Lead Pastor’s Grace

  • Dr. Loritts expresses gratitude for Pastor Jonathan Evans, acknowledging his grace and anointing as a lead pastor.
  • Dr. Loritts highlights the influence of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship and its legacy, connecting it to the faithfulness of its members.
  • Dr. Loritts prays for the seed of God's word to bear much fruit and for the congregation to be encouraged and changed by the message.
  • He introduces Katie Spots and Laura Decker, two endurance athletes who have accomplished significant feats, drawing parallels to the church's journey.

The Parable of Katie and Laura

  • Dr. Loritts compares Katie and Laura, both endurance athletes, noting their different approaches to their journeys.
  • Katie rowed her boat from Africa to South America, while Laura sailed, illustrating the importance of relying on external forces.
  • He emphasizes the need for the church to rely on the Holy Spirit rather than their own strength.
  • The analogy highlights the importance of strategy and the right people, but ultimately, the church must rely on God's Spirit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Christianity

  • Dr. Loritts discusses the therapeutic age and the tendency among Christians to rely on human counselors rather than the Holy Spirit.
  • Dr. Loritts emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to guide believers through life's obstacles and storms.
  • The analogy of the wind and the Holy Spirit illustrates the Spirit's unpredictable yet guiding nature.
  • Dr. Loritts introduces the concept of being filled with the Holy Spirit and the importance of this practice in the Christian life.

The Extremes of Holy Spirit Emphasis

  • Dr. Loritts addresses the extremes within the church regarding the Holy Spirit, including Holy Spirit fanatics and those who focus solely on Scripture.
  • Dr. Loritts argues for a balanced approach that integrates both the gifts and fruits of the Spirit.
  • The upper-room discourse in John is cited to illustrate Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit as a comforter and guide.
  • Dr. Loritts emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit to apply timeless principles of Scripture to specific circumstances.

The Indicative and Imperative Moods in Ephesians

  • Dr. Loritts explains the theological context of Ephesians, dividing it into sections focused on what God has certainly done (indicative mood) and what is required of believers (imperative mood).
  • Chapters 1-3 focus on God's specific actions, while chapters 4-6 emphasize ethical commands grounded in those actions.
  • The filling of the Spirit is presented as a response to what God has already done, not a means to achieve something new.
  • Dr. Loritts uses a personal anecdote about forgetting his wallet to illustrate the importance of accessing what is already ours through the Holy Spirit.

The Presence and Power of the Holy Spirit

  • Dr. Loritts asserts that believers cannot lose the presence of the Holy Spirit, in contrast to the Old Covenant, in which this was possible.
  • The analogy of a gas car versus an electric car illustrates the constant availability of the Holy Spirit's power.
  • Dr. Loritts emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is a built-in charger for New Covenant believers, providing all the power needed.
  • The importance of being filled with the Spirit is reiterated, using the Greek word "Roman" to describe being filled to overflowing.

The Filling of the Spirit in Practice

  • Dr. Loritts describes the visible signs of being filled with the Spirit, using the analogy of a drunk person to illustrate the change in behavior.
  • The filling of the Spirit is characterized by actions that are out of the ordinary but for the benefit of others and the glory of God.
  • The Holy Spirit is likened to a designated driver, constantly offering to take control of various aspects of a believer's life.
  • Dr. Loritts emphasizes the need for believers to give the Holy Spirit the keys to their lives, including their bodies, tongues, attitudes, finances, and families.

Applications of Being Filled with the Spirit

  • Dr. Loritts discusses the practical implications of being filled with the Spirit, particularly in the context of marriage.
  • He shares a personal story about his wife challenging him and the importance of giving the Holy Spirit room to work in their marriage.
  • The Holy Spirit’s role in guiding and correcting the speaker's behavior is highlighted, leading to a reconciliation with his wife.
  • Dr. Loritts emphasizes the importance of mutual commitment to entrusting the Holy Spirit with control in marriage, thereby making divorce impossible for spirit-filled believers.

The Value of the Holy Spirit

  • Dr. Loritts shares a story about a rare gun used in a bank robbery to illustrate the value of the Holy Spirit, which is often overlooked.
  • He emphasizes that believers do not have a resource problem but rather a problem of accessing what is already theirs through the Holy Spirit.
  • The importance of relinquishing control to the Holy Spirit is reiterated through the analogy of dropping keys.
  • Dr. Loritts concludes with a prayer, asking the congregation to give the Holy Spirit the keys to their lives and to be filled with the Spirit.


Five-Day Devotional: “Give Me The Keys — Living Filled with the Spirit”

Root Text: Ephesians 5:15–21 (focus v.18). Other supportive passages: John 3:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 1–3.

Day 1 — Put Down the Oars, Raise the Sail

  • Scripture: Ephesians 5:15–18
  • Reflection: Paul calls us to live wisely because the days are difficult. The sermon’s image—rowing in our own strength vs. raising a sail to catch the Spirit’s wind—reminds us that Christian life is not primarily about human grit but about cooperating with God. Being “filled” is an ongoing posture, not a one-time event.
  • Application: Identify one area where you’ve been “rowing” in your own strength (work, ministry planning, worry). Concretely surrender that area to the Spirit today: speak a short prayer offering it to God and ask for His direction rather than your strategy.
  • Prayer: Lord, I choose to stop relying on my own strength. Fill me with Your Spirit today. Teach me to wait on Your wind rather than force my own way.


Day 2 — Access What Is Already Yours

  • Reflection: The sermon’s Apple Pay story shows a truth: you already own what you need, but you must access it. Spirit‑filling is the way we access the inheritance and power Christ has provided. You are not resource‑poor in Christ—you may only be unaware or unwilling to yield.
  • Application: Spend five minutes listing spiritual resources you have (forgiveness, Spirit, gifts, promises). Choose one to “activate” by praying for it and using it practically—e.g., if you list boldness, tell one person about Jesus; if you list wisdom, ask God one specific decision you need help with.
  • Prayer: Father, thank You for what You have already given me in Christ. Open my hands and heart to access these gifts through Your Spirit.


Day 3 — Give Him the Keys

  • Reflection: The “give Me the keys” image invites concrete surrender—our tongue, time, finances, family, and decisions. The Spirit won’t snatch the keys; He waits for willing hands. Surrender is habitual and specific.
  • Application: Take a real set of keys or list five “keys” (e.g., phone usage, money, anger, schedule, relationships). Pray over each one aloud or silently, handing it to the Spirit. Choose one practical boundary or habit for the week that helps you keep that key surrendered (e.g., set phone limits, a giving plan, a pause before speaking).
  • Prayer: Holy Spirit, I lay these keys before You. Drive my life. Help me yield when You ask and obey when You prompt.


Day 4 — Watch for the Wind’s Fruit

  • Reflection: The sermon used imagery of “intoxication” to show how a new controlling influence changes behavior. The Spirit’s “intoxication” produces fruit—not chaos. Look for changes that are other‑centered: increased patience, gentleness, courage to serve, thankfulness. The wind is mysterious, but its effects are visible.
  • Application: Ask two trusted friends or family members to observe and give feedback this week on one fruit you’re intentionally seeking (e.g., patience). Journal any small signs of change. Celebrate what is worked in you; ask for help where you resist.
  • Prayer: Spirit, produce Your fruit in me. Let others see Your work in my life. Shape my actions, so they bless and build up.


Day 5 — Spirit and Scripture, Word and Witness

Scripture: John 14:26; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 5:19–21

Reflection: The sermon emphasized balance: neither Scripture nor Spirit alone suffices—God sends the Spirit to apply God’s Word to our lives. We are God’s temple; the Spirit dwells in us so we can worship, give thanks, and submit to one another. True Spirit‑work is tested by Scripture, fruit, and community.

Application: Create a simple weekly rhythm that combines Word + Spirit + Community:

(1) a short Scripture reading and prayer time asking for Spirit illumination; 

(2) a corporate or small‑group worship or check‑in;  

(3) one act of service or gratitude this weekend that flows from what God showed you. Commit to this rhythm for the next month.

Prayer: Lord, send Your Spirit to illuminate Your Word and guide our lives. Help our community to worship, encourage, and hold one another accountable. May my life reflect the harmony of Scripture and Spirit.


Brief Closing Exhortation

The Christian life is not self‑powered. Start small, be specific, and practice surrender daily. The Spirit does not coerce; He invites. Give Him the keys—expect the wind—and live out the fruit that proves His work.

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Location: Dallas, TX, USA

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