"Those who take the lead in these frivolities bring upon the cause a stain not easily effaced. They wound their own souls, and will carry the scars through their lifetime. The evildoer may see his sins and repent, and God may pardon the transgressor; but the power of discernment which ought ever to be kept keen and sensitive to distinguish between the sacred and the common, is in a great measure destroyed.... CT 368.1"
"Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;"
Both passages discuss the damaging effects of sin on one's conscience and spiritual sensitivity. While 1 Timothy 4:2 uses the metaphor of a 'seared' conscience, the EGW passage describes the destruction of the power of discernment. The connection lies in the shared theme of impaired spiritual perception due to sin.
"***** It is a continual struggle to be always on the alert to resist evil, but it pays to obtain one victory after another over self and the powers of darkness. And if the youth are proved and tested, as was Daniel, what honor can they reflect to God by their firm adherence to the right! CT 368.3"
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages address the struggle against evil forces. Ephesians 6:12 speaks of wrestling against spiritual wickedness, while the EGW passage describes the continual struggle to resist evil and the powers of darkness. The connection is thematic, focusing on the ongoing battle against spiritual forces.