⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
God Doesn’t Try, God Reigns
Show Summary
In this episode of Sound Theology & Discernment, Justin Peters is joined by pastors Jim Osman and Dave Rich
to discuss their new book, God Doesn’t Try. Together they explore why Scripture never presents God as “trying” to save, sanctify, speak, or build His church, but as the sovereign Lord who actually accomplishes all that He wills.
This conversation moves from God’s sovereignty in salvation and sanctification, to His providence in suffering and provision, and finally to how Christ Himself builds and organizes His church through qualified elders. Throughout, Jim and Dave press home the comfort that flows from knowing God is both good and sovereign.
Listen to the Episode
Watch on YouTube
Episode Notes
In this interview, Justin, Jim, and Dave walk through key themes from God Doesn’t Try and apply them pastorally to the Christian life:
- Why the common phrase “God is trying…” actually diminishes His sovereignty and implies the possibility of failure.
- How God’s perfections mean there are things He cannot do, not because of any lack of power, but because of His perfect holiness, goodness, and faithfulness.
- God doesn’t try to save His people: John 6, 10, and 17 and the unity of Father, Son, and Spirit in securing the salvation of the elect.
- God doesn’t try to sanctify His people: the inevitability of growth in holiness, the error of “carnal Christianity,” and why assurance and fruit belong together.
- Providence and suffering: how God truly provides for His people in poverty, persecution, illness, and even martyrdom.
- Building and organizing Christ’s church: biblical eldership, qualified men, church discipline, and why the local church must follow Christ’s pattern rather than marketing trends.
- How a high view of God’s sovereignty and goodness comforts believers in trials and strengthens them to stand firm in the truth.
Resources & Links
- Book:
God Doesn’t Try by Jim Osman & Dave Rich –
Order on Amazon
(replace with direct link). - Church: Kootenai Community Church
- More from Justin Peters:
justinpeters.org
Scripture & Topics Mentioned
- John 6; John 10; John 17 – Christ securing all whom the Father gives Him.
- 1 Peter 1 – God causing us to be born again and sustaining us in trials.
- Hebrews 12 – The Father’s loving discipline and our sanctification.
- Matthew 6 – Do not be anxious, your heavenly Father knows what you need.
- God’s sovereignty, providence, sanctification, local church, eldership.
How You Can Respond
- Reflect on how you speak about God. Are you using language that fits His
sovereignty and perfections? - Pray that the Lord would deepen your trust in His goodness and providence in
every circumstance. - Consider using God Doesn’t Try in a small group, Sunday school class, or discipleship study to help others think more biblically about God.
“Soli Deo Gloria.”
For more from Justin please visit his page at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
This episode first appeared at Justin’s YouTube and is posted here with his permission.
Born and reared in Vicksburg, Mississippi, Justin earned his undergraduate at Mississippi State University (1995) and then a Master of Divinity and Master of Theology (2000, 2002) from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Justin met his bride, Kathy, at an evangelism conference near Los Angeles, California, in 2009. They were married in August of 2010. From 2014 until 2019, they lived in Sandpoint, Idaho, and were members of Kootenai Community Church.
They now reside outside of Billings, Montana, along with their little dog, Mia. They are members of Laurel Bible Church, where Justin currently serves as an elder.
