These persons, I saw, are deceiving themselves. They have no part nor lot in the matter. They have hold of the truth; but the truth has not hold of them. When the truth, the solemn, important truth, gets hold of them, self will die; then the language will not be, “I will go there, I will not stay here;” but the earnest inquiry will be, “Where does God want me to be? Where can I best glorify Him, and where can our united labors do the most good?” Their will should be swallowed up in the will of God. The willfulness and lack of consecration that some of the ministers’ wives manifest will stand in the way of sinners; the blood of souls will be upon their garments. Some of the ministers have borne a strong testimony in regard to the duty and the wrongs of the church; but it has not had its designed effect, for their own companions needed all the straight testimony that had been borne, and the reproof came back upon themselves with great weight. They let their companions affect them and dra…
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
The EGW passage echoes the call to self-denial and following God's will, which is the core message of Luke 9:23. The phrase 'self will die' directly relates to 'deny himself'.
"Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God."
The phrase 'no part nor lot in the matter' is a direct quote from Acts 8:21, indicating a clear allusion.
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of aligning one's will with God's will. The EGW passage expands on the idea of doing God's will rather than simply professing faith, which aligns with the theme of Matthew 7:21.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The EGW passage emphasizes seeking God's will and glorifying Him, which aligns with the principle of prioritizing God's kingdom as stated in Matthew 6:33.