Cancel The Invitation To Temptation Part 2
This summary and strategic rewrite draws upon a message by Jentezen Franklin, focusing on the biblical truth (primarily from Proverbs) that life is a series of critical choices between two opposing “parties”—the House of Folly (Temptation) and the House of Wisdom. Choosing one invitation determines a person’s future opportunities, purpose, and generational destiny.
The message underscores that individuals must constantly choose between these invitations. The goal is to prevent the pain and spiritual shipwreck that come from choosing temptation over wisdom.
The Defining Choice: Temptation vs. Opportunities
The outcome of each invitation can be summarized in a single word:
- Temptation: The first party leads to temptation.
- Opportunities: The second party, the House of Wisdom, promises opportunities, favor, and destiny.
Accepting the wrong invitation (temptation) will severely affect the opportunities available in life. This message is relevant to young people, young couples, older men, elders, and middle-aged people; everyone must respond, as ignoring the invitation to wisdom leads directly to temptation.
1. The Harlot’s Party: The Invitation to Temptation and Failure
The harlot, representing a spirit of the world, offers an invitation to temptation that is focused entirely on momentary, superficial satisfaction.
Superficiality and Temporary Pleasure
The harlot’s appeal is characterized by secrecy and self-interest:
- Secrecy and Isolation: The harlot describes her affair as a private, isolated, “just you and me” affair that is secret and quiet. Believers should watch out for anyone trying to initiate secret dealings.
- Cloak of Spirituality: She attempts to cloak her seduction in spirituality, bringing up her visit to the temple and her offered “peace offering” as an excuse.
- The “One Night Stand Plan”: Her offering is limited and temporary. She offers “leftovers” rather than a prepared banquet, because her plan is a “one night stand plan” with no long-term commitment.
- Unsatisfying Food: The devil’s best offering is merely “finger food” that will not satisfy the hunger of the lust of the flesh. C.S. Lewis is cited, stating that sex without commitment is like eating food that is tasted but never swallowed or digested. It only brings temporary flavor.
The consequences of accepting this invitation are devastating. The harlot’s house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death. Those who ignore wisdom and yield to enticing speech and flattering lips go after her immediately, becoming like an ox going to the slaughter or a fool heading to a prison house. Many who are “mighty and strong” have been cast down and wounded by this path, believing it could never happen to them.
2. Lady Wisdom’s Party: The Invitation to Destiny and Generations
Lady Wisdom offers an invitation focused on life, destiny, and generational blessing. Choosing wisdom is choosing the solid, right, and godly thing that brings joy.
Building for the Long Haul
Wisdom’s preparation is fundamentally different from the temporary appeal of the harlot’s house:
- Public and Open: Lady Wisdom tells people to “Get in the highest building that you can find in the city and shout with a loud voice, everybody come”. Unlike the harlot’s secrecy, wisdom operates openly.
- A Feast, Not Leftovers: Wisdom has slain multiple animals (beasts, chicken, roast, beef), offering a feast that satisfies completely, unlike the world’s emptiness.
- Generational Strength: Wisdom has “built her house” and “dug out seven pillars,” preparing for the long term and the generations. This house is rock solid and designed to withstand storms and attacks.
Choosing wisdom means embracing Jesus, who is wisdom, and aligning one’s heart with His plan, future, and destiny.