⁵ Now the goal of our instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5 CSB)

Spending time in faithful instruction can be extremely valuable. We should always be in a learning mode, soaking in the wisdom provided through knowledge of scripture and continual prayer.

So too, in every other part of life, we stop growing when we cease to be instructed if we stop learning. Life should be about gaining wisdom.

Yet, simple book knowledge or learning from a list of instructions is not enough. We must put into practice what we are learning and gain wisdom from the application of instruction. Without practical application knowledge does not become wisdom, it has no exercise to fill in the gaps inherent in instruction.

This is further true in the outcome of biblical instruction as it should manifest in a pure heart, good conscience and a sincere faith. Each of these will be evident in our lives through proper instruction and application.

This all may seem self-evident. However, the church is forever being called upon its hypocrisy because of a lack of application.