Common Sayings and Biblical Truths: Temporary Trials and Women in Ministry

While the specific phrase "this too shall pass" is not found verbatim in the scriptures, the Bible powerfully supports the truth that all earthly things, including our trials and the present world itself, are temporary and will eventually pass away. 🕊️

The Transience of the Current World

The Lord makes it clear that the physical world we see around us is not permanent. Even the heavens and the earth, which seem so stable, are subject to change and will eventually pass away to make room for God's eternal kingdom.

• ** Matthew 24:35**: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." 📖

• ** 2 Peter 3:6**: "Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished."

• ** Revelation 21:1**: "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea."

Signs of an Ending Era

Jesus provided specific signs to help us understand that the current state of "wars and rumors of wars," famines, and pestilences is a temporary "beginning of sorrows" that must occur before the final end.

• ** Matthew 24:6-7**: "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." 🌍

• ** Matthew 24:34**: "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled."

Comfort in Temporary Affliction

For the believer, the knowledge that earthly trials are temporary provides great comfort. Even the "shadow of death" is something we pass through, not a permanent dwelling place.

• ** Psalm 23:4**: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

• ** 2 Corinthians 4:18**: "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." ✨

• ** Revelation 21:4**: "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."

The Endurance of God's Word

While everything else passes away—including our youth, our struggles, and the world itself—there is one thing that remains forever: the Word of the Lord.

• ** Isaiah 40:8**: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

• ** 1 Peter 2:9**: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

In our journey, we can find peace knowing that the "mystery of iniquity" and the "travail" of this life are merely a prelude to an eternal weight of glory that will never pass away. 🌤️

While the specific phrase "cleanliness is next to godliness" is not found in the Bible, the principle is deeply rooted in scripture and is a vital part of the Christian lifeBHY 181.2+2. 🧼 God is a lover of order and purity, and He expects His children to reflect these attributes in their physical bodies, their homes, and their spirits1LtMs, Ms 3, 1861, par. 36+1.

The Biblical Foundation of Cleanliness

The association between cleanliness and godliness began with God's specific instructions to His people to maintain a high standard of physical purity as a preparation for meeting HimBHY 181.2.

• Sanctification and External Care: When God prepared to speak His law at Sinai, He commanded the people to wash their clothes and put away all impurityCG 106.1+1 Exo 19:10.

• A Requirement for God's Presence: The Lord commanded Israel to keep their camp clean so that He would not see any uncleanness when passing byCG 106.1+1.

• Changeless Principles: These moral teachings regarding cleanliness and health are as changeless as the eternal throne of GodBHY 185.1.

Cleanliness as a Part of Godliness

Physical cleanliness is more than just a good habit; it is actually a part of true godliness and a witness to our faithARSH January 1, 1861, page 54.8+1.

• Total Purity: Cleanliness implies perfect purity in all our mental and organic relationsARSH June 27, 1865, page 30.22.

• The Temple of God: Because our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we glorify God by maintaining cleanliness of both spirit and bodyPTUK January 27, 1898, page 54.7.

• Avoiding Filthy Habits: Using tobacco or other substances that defile the body is a violation of the principles of cleanliness and holinessARSH May 13, 1862, page 190.19+1.

• Ministerial Example: Those who minister in word and doctrine must be patterns of good works, showing examples in holiness, cleanliness, and orderPaM 61.3+2.

The Role of Mothers and the Home

The home is the primary place where the lessons of neatness and purity are taught and associated with the character of GodAH 254.1+1.

• A Lesson for Children: When a mother keeps her person and her home clean and orderly, she gives her children constant lessons in purity and holinessAH 254.1+2.

• Inviting Heavenly Guests: Heavenly angels, whose home is pure and holy, cannot be invited into dwellings where there is untidiness and disorderAH 254.1+1.

• Maintaining Respect: A mother who neglects her appearance and wears soiled garments may lose the respect of her childrenCTBH 143.2.

• Avoiding Extremes: While cleanliness is essential, it should not be carried to such an extreme that it makes life a drudgery or causes nerves to be so wearied that good temper becomes impossibleHR August 1, 1872, par. 2+2.

Internal Purity: The Priority of the Heart

While physical cleanliness is a duty, it must always be secondary to the internal purity of the soul through Jesus ChristHR August 1, 1872, par. 2+1.

• The First Essential: Godliness is the first thing to be sought, and neatness is a secondary matter compared to the fruits of the SpiritHR August 1, 1872, par. 2.

• The Source of Defilement: Jesus explained that true defilement comes from within the heart, not from external, man-made ceremoniesDA 397.4+1.

• Seeing God: Only the pure in heart are promised that they shall see God Matthew 5:8PP 87.3.

• The Cleansing Word: We are made clean through the application of the Word of God to our livesGCDB February 24, 1899, page 80.10+1.

Health and Healing

Cleanliness is one of the simple agencies of nature that God approves for the restoration and preservation of healthCH 323.2+1.

• Natural Remedies: Pure air, water, and cleanliness are among God's chosen remedies for diseaseCH 323.2+1.

• Preventing Disease: Neglecting personal cleanliness and allowing decaying matter to remain around the home can poison the air and cause various diseases2SM 460.3+2.

• God's Requirements: God does not like to see His children with unclean bodies, and He expects us to obey the laws of health as part of our service to HimCH 103.3+1.

True religion ennobles the mind and makes its possessor a partaker of the purity and holiness of heavenST October 23, 1884, par. 13. As we bring the truths of God's message into our daily lives, practical godliness, purity, and holiness will be seen by all5MR 53.2+2. ✨

While the exact phrase "love the sinner, hate the sin" is not a direct quote from the Bible, the principle is a fundamental truth found throughout the scriptures and the life of Christ2MR 125.2+1. Jesus demonstrated a perfect hatred for sin while simultaneously revealing an unfathomable love for the souls of men18MR 148.5+1.

The Example of Christ

Jesus Christ is the ultimate model for this principle, as His entire mission was to save the fallen race from the very thing He abhorredYI December 30, 1897, par. 5+1.

• A Perfect Hatred for Evil: Never was there a being who hated sin with such a perfect hatred as Christ, for He saw its power to cause revolt even among holy angels6MR 39.2.

• A Perfect Love for the Sinner: Even though He hates sin, He loves the sinner with a love so great that He gave His life to redeem usYI December 30, 1897, par. 5+1.

• Compassion in Ministry: As Paul worked, he lifted up Christ as the One who hates sin but loves the sinner, bearing our sins to impart His righteousnessCM 43.2+1.

• The Exposure of Sin: Christ’s righteousness is like a ray of light that exposes errors, not to condemn, but to show the offender how hateful sin is to God so they might be saved9LtMs, Ms 103, 1894, par. 8.

The Difficulty of the Attainment

Learning to separate the person from their actions is described as a difficult achievement that requires divine helpTT 264.5+1.

• A Narrow Path: It is a difficult attainment to hate and reprove sin while showing pity and tenderness for the sinnerULe 185.1+1.

• The Danger of Extremes: We must guard against undue severity toward the wrongdoer, but we must also avoid such great toleration for error that the sinner feels they do not deserve reproofLP 321.2+1.

• The Necessity of Holiness: The more we strive for holiness in our own lives, the more acute our perception of sin will become, allowing us to disapprove of deviation from the right while maintaining Christlike loveTT 264.5+1.

• True Charity: True Christian charity is that which hates sin but loves the sinner and seeks to bring them to a knowledge and obedience of the truthARSH May 22, 1866, page 198.28.

Practical Application in the Church and Home

This principle should govern how believers interact with one another and how parents guide their childrenTDC May 21, 1889, page 5.15+1.

• Dealing with Faults: When showing a person their fault, the only purpose should be to save them, always making a distinction between the sinner and the sinTDC May 21, 1889, page 5.15.

• Parental Influence: Parents are to teach their children to hate sin and shun it because it is inherently base and degrading, rather than just out of fear of punishmentAH 184.2+1.

• The Fruit of the Spirit: To deal justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God is the required standard for every believer and is evidence of a sanctified heart Micah 6:8ST September 19, 1900, par. 10+1.

• A Heart of Peace: No one can reprove or counsel as Christ would have it done unless their own heart is filled with peace and loveRH October 24, 1893, par. 3.

The Transformation of the Heart

True repentance changes our relationship with sin, moving us from a love of iniquity to a hatred of it2T 294.2+1.

• Evidence of Conversion: He who is truly repentant and regenerated will hate sin and find all selfishness distressingBEcho November 5, 1894, par. 6+1.

• Beholding Christ: By contemplating the cross of Calvary and the suffering sin caused the Redeemer, a hatred of sin is born in the heartYI December 30, 1897, par. 5+1.

• A New Mind: Conversion transforms a sin-loving mind so that the former life appears disgusting and the soul embraces Christ as its joy2T 294.2.

• Hating Even the Garment: Those pulling others out of the fire must be so pure and spiritual that they hate even the garment spotted by the flesh Jude 1:23ARSH May 3, 1898, page 284.7.

By looking to Jesus, we are conformed to His image and learn to hate all sin and selfishness as He does6MR 20.3+1. 🕊️

1 Corinthians 11:5

5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35

34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.

35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.

1 Timothy 2:11-12

11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

Romans 16:1-2

1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

Acts 18:26

26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

Titus 2:3-4

3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;

4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,

While certain passages are often misunderstood, the scriptures and historical records clearly show that Paul the apostle recognized, encouraged, and worked alongside women who spoke, prophesied, and taught in the service of the gospel 🕊️. Paul’s own letters and the book of Acts provide numerous examples of women active in public ministry, demonstrating that a total prohibition on women speaking was never his intentSITI May 12, 1887, page 278.19+1.

Women Prophesying and Speaking in Public Worship

Paul provided specific instructions for how women should conduct themselves while praying or prophesying, which confirms that these activities were expected and permitted in public assembliesSITI May 12, 1887, page 278.19.

• Four Daughters of Philip: The evangelist Philip had four daughters who were virgins and exercised the gift of prophecy Acts 21:8-9.

• Guidelines for Prophecy: In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul gave directions for women praying and speaking in public worshipSITI May 12, 1887, page 278.19. It is logical that no directions would be needed for an action that was strictly forbidden; therefore, the existence of these rules shows that women did indeed speak and prophesySITI May 12, 1887, page 278.19.

• The Nature of Prophecy: To prophesy is to speak unto men for edification, exhortation, and comfort, a role women fulfilled in the early churchSITI May 12, 1887, page 278.19+1.

Women as Educators and Teachers

Paul’s close associates included women who were instrumental in teaching and refining the theology of prominent male leadersLP 119.2.

• Priscilla and Apollos: When the eloquent orator Apollos began to speak in Ephesus, he lacked a full understanding of the gospelChS 122.2+1. Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, took him aside and expounded or explained the way of God to him more perfectly and accurately Acts 18:26ULe 100.1+1.

• The Power of Female Instruction: Apollos, a thorough scholar, gratefully received this spiritual instruction from a woman and subsequently became one of the most effective defenders of the Christian faithLP 119.2+1.

• Training Children: The first education of a child, which included the diligent teaching of the Law, was the responsibility of the mother Deuteronomy 6:7LTJMB2 148.1. Paul’s associate Timothy was famously influenced by the faith and teaching of his mother Eunice and grandmother LoisLTJMB2 148.1.

Women as Laborers in the Gospel

Paul frequently used the term "fellow-laborers" to describe women, placing them on the same level of ministry as himself and other male leadersNPUGleaner December 4, 1907, par. 8+1.

• Phoebe of Cenchrea: Paul highly commended Phoebe, calling her a "servant" (or deaconess) of the church at Cenchrea and a "succorer" of many, including himself Romans 16:1-2NPUGleaner December 4, 1907, par. 8+1. He instructed the Roman church to assist her in whatever business she required, implying she held a position of significant responsibility and authorityARSH July 30, 1861, page 66.3+1.

• Workers in the Gospel: Paul specifically asked for help for those women who "labored with me in the gospel," mentioning them alongside other fellow-laborers like Clement Philippians 4:3.

• Church in the House: Women like Priscilla were so active in the ministry that Paul sent greetings to the "church that is in their house" Romans 16:3-5NPUGleaner December 4, 1907, par. 8.

Clarifying the "Silence" Passages

The verses in ** 1 Corinthians 14:34-35** and ** 1 Timothy 2:11-12** must be interpreted in harmony with the rest of Paul’s writings to avoid doing violence to the scripturesSITI May 12, 1887, page 278.21.

• Harmony of Scripture: Because the Bible is inspired, it must be harmonious; therefore, Paul's praise for women who labored in the gospel and his instructions on how they should pray and prophesy prove that he did not intend a universal ban on women speakingSITI May 12, 1887, page 278.19+1.

• Maintaining Order: These specific restrictions likely addressed local issues of disorder or uneducated questioning during public service rather than a mandate for all timeSITI May 12, 1887, page 278.19+1.

• The Duty to Do Good: Every individual is morally bound to do as much good as possible; if a woman can effect reformation and lead sinners to a Savior, she should not be discouraged or hinderedARSH July 30, 1861, page 65.10+1.

May you find joy in the diverse ways the Lord uses all His servants to spread His light and truth21LtMs, Ms 145, 1906, par. 48! ✨