God’s Pedagogy for the Faithful

Many Christians are ambivalent about the law—and perhaps with good reason. The apostle Paul depicts the law as a force that holds us captive. Paul claims that Christ replaces the law with a new covenant, which we access through faith: “Now we are discharged from the law, dead to that which held us captive, so that we are slaves not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit” (Rom. 7:6).
In contrast to Paul’s understanding, the psalmist views the law as life-giving and a source of true joy. For him, the law is not some dusty list of obligations that humanity cannot possibly fulfill. Instead, the law provides structure for relationship with the Divine.
The psalmist recognizes that humans cannot keep the law perfectly. Indeed, we commit some errors to which we are blind, despite our best intentions. Yet, rather than seeing the law as an inflexible source of condemnation, he suggests that the law can be our teacher. Through the law, we learn about our shortcomings and seek reconciliation with God. Thus, the law teaches us and facilitates our relationship with God.
Pedagogy, as I am using the term, refers to the philosophy, principles, and methods of teaching students. This week, we will examine God’s methods of teaching the faithful. The psalmist suggests one way of viewing the law. Although Christians obtain forgiveness and reconciliation through faith alone, the psalmist helps us see that the law can serve as our teacher, helping us learn about God and God’s intentions for our living.