As a substitute teacher/librarian in our public schools and a Bible class instructor, I have observed that learning is a cooperative effort between the student and the instructor. This is why teachers try to get their students involved in class participation. The teacher has to do some preparation work, and the student has to do some preparation work. Together, progress is made and education occurs.
In Psalms 119:129-136, the writer suggests a similar pattern. He presents God as the teacher — we are His students. As our teacher, God’s part in our education begins by Him showing us "mercy" (Psalm 119:132) — He "directs" our steps (Psalm 119:133 ) — He "redeems" us from oppressive influences (Psalm 119:134).
As God’s students, we should enter His classroom having a mindset of eager anticipation — ready to accept His teaching, guidance, and help: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple ….. I longed for Your commandments” (Psalm 119:130-131).
In our role as students of God’s Word, we should fulfill three requirements:
1) Be willing to examine God’s words for what they are teaching (Acts 17:11; Romans 12:2).
2) Be willing to gain an understanding from those inspired words (Ephesians 3:1-4; Ephesians 5:14-17).
3) Be willing to obey His commandments (1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 5:1-3; cf. Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:22).
Beloved, it’s time for us to enter God’s classroom — ready to listen and learn from Him (1 Samuel 3:9-10). When we do, we’ll look at our Teacher [God] with renewed love and those who are lost with renewed concern (Psalm 119:136; cf. Matthew 9:36-38; Mark 16:15; Acts 8:4).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
In Psalms 119:129-136, the writer suggests a similar pattern. He presents God as the teacher — we are His students. As our teacher, God’s part in our education begins by Him showing us "mercy" (Psalm 119:132) — He "directs" our steps (Psalm 119:133 ) — He "redeems" us from oppressive influences (Psalm 119:134).As God’s students, we should enter His classroom having a mindset of eager anticipation — ready to accept His teaching, guidance, and help: “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple ….. I longed for Your commandments” (Psalm 119:130-131).
In our role as students of God’s Word, we should fulfill three requirements:
1) Be willing to examine God’s words for what they are teaching (Acts 17:11; Romans 12:2).
2) Be willing to gain an understanding from those inspired words (Ephesians 3:1-4; Ephesians 5:14-17).
3) Be willing to obey His commandments (1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 5:1-3; cf. Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 1:22).
Beloved, it’s time for us to enter God’s classroom — ready to listen and learn from Him (1 Samuel 3:9-10). When we do, we’ll look at our Teacher [God] with renewed love and those who are lost with renewed concern (Psalm 119:136; cf. Matthew 9:36-38; Mark 16:15; Acts 8:4).
—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets
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