EP 48 Thinking Through Addiction: The Idolatrous Misuse of Created Things - Ft. Ryan Davidson

John-Mark welcomes Dr J. Ryan Davidson, pastor of Grace Baptist Chapel in Hampton, Virginia and dean of students at the International Reformed Baptist Seminary, to discuss his new Broken Wharfe booklet "Thinking Through Addiction". Drawing on Proverbs 23:29–35, Davidson presents addiction as the repeated, sinful misuse of created things to the detriment of soul, mind, and body, closely tied to idolatry and often marked by habitual return despite consequences. They contrast biblical categories with modern claims that addiction is only a disease, affirming possible physiological components while maintaining moral responsibility, self-control, and mortification of sin. The conversation stresses compassion, the necessity of the gospel and the local church’s means of grace, and appropriate partnership with medical or clinical help in severe cases. Davidson concludes with hope in justification and sanctification through union with Christ.

Read the Booklet: Thinking Through Addiction

Read the Ebook: Thinking Through Addiction Ebook

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:59 Booklet Origins and Purpose
04:01 Proverbs 23 and Addiction
06:52 Defining Addiction Biblically
09:28 Scripture vs Modern Models
15:05 Idolatry and Habitual Sin
20:00 Why Consequences Dont Stop It
25:47 Gospel Freedom and Church Help
29:43 Church or Clinical Treatment
34:47 Gospel Hope to the End
39:35 Wrap Up and Booklet Details

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Thanks for listening!