Is it Temptation or a Demonic Oppression? – Stephanie Ike Okafor
Is it Temptation or a Demonic Oppression? – Stephanie Ike Okafor
Understanding Temptation vs. Demonic Oppression: Key Insights for Spiritual Growth
Hello everyone, I’m Stephanie Ekail Kafar, and welcome back to our Modernization of Witchcraft series. We’ve now reached Week 7, and it’s hard to believe there are only two weeks left in this series! Next week, we will be wrapping up with an in-depth session on self-deliverance. I believe each week has brought something valuable for your personal growth, and my goal is to equip you with the right tools and resources for spiritual self-deliverance.
You can experience deliverance right at home, with the Holy Spirit, and I’ll also guide you on how to stay mindful of your spiritual temple, stay protected, and understand spiritual warfare. I’ll recommend books you can explore in your own time. This entire series is about development, being equipped with the knowledge of God, and walking in His truth.
Before we dive into the self-deliverance session next week, today, we’re going to explore a crucial topic: the difference between temptation and demonic oppression. It’s essential to recognize that not everything we encounter is a demonic spirit. Understanding this distinction is key because if we see everything as demonic oppression, we risk losing our personal accountability and responsibility for what we choose to entertain in our lives.
The Nature of Temptation
Let’s take a look at a few scriptures to understand temptation better, beginning with James 1:13-15:
Temptation arises when you desire something that is not aligned with God’s will. God does not tempt us; He may test us, but testing is designed to reveal what is inside of us. Testing helps us discover our readiness for what comes next, just like in a school exam, where you demonstrate your knowledge and preparedness. Similarly, God’s tests show us our alignment with Him. However, temptation, in contrast, seeks to draw us away from the path that God has set for us.
God never sets us up for failure. Even His tests are meant to build us up, allowing us to grow from a place of truth and humility. The Bible says that each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desires. These desires are rooted in the flesh—lust, selfishness, envy, jealousy, and more. The Bible highlights that the desires of the flesh are in direct conflict with what the Spirit desires. If your life is submitted to the flesh, temptation becomes inevitable.
The Impact of Environment on Temptation
Your environment plays a significant role in nurturing or resisting temptation. Temptation is natural to humanity, but when you consistently place yourself in environments that feed your desires, those natural attractions can turn into powerful temptations. Over time, what was once a passing interest can develop into a deep desire that distracts you from your God-given path.
Temptation comes when you are distracted by your own desires. These distractions can be influenced by culture, media, the people around you, and even your past experiences. It’s essential to recognize when your desires are being fueled by things outside God’s will for you, leading you away from your divine purpose.
