"God in His providence has moved upon the hearts of some of those who have riches, and has converted them to the truth, that they with their substance may assist to keep His work moving. And if those who are wealthy will not do this, if they do not fulfill the purpose of God, He will pass them by, and raise up others to fill their place who will fulfill His purpose, and with their possessions gladly distribute to meet the necessities of the cause of God. In this they will be first. God will have those in His cause who will do this. 1T 174.1"
"But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more."
The EGW passage discusses how God expects those with riches to use them for His work, and if they don't, He will find others who will. This aligns with the principle in Luke 12:48 that those who have been given much will have much required of them.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Both passages connect actions towards others (specifically, giving to those in need) with service to God. The EGW passage speaks of distributing possessions to meet the necessities of God's cause, while Matthew 25:40 speaks of doing things for 'the least of these my brethren.'
"He could send means from heaven to carry on His work; but this is out of His order. He has ordained that men should be His instruments, that as a great sacrifice was made to redeem them, they should act a part in this work of salvation, by making a sacrifice for one another, and by thus doing show how highly they prize the sacrifice that has been made for them. 1T 174.2"
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God."
Both passages emphasize the role of humans as instruments or ambassadors in God's work of reconciliation and salvation. EGW expands on the idea of being an instrument by connecting it to sacrifice.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
Both passages connect sacrifice with service to God. EGW's statement about making a sacrifice for one another echoes the idea of presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice.
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
Both passages discuss working with God. EGW elaborates on the idea of humans being instruments in God's work, which aligns with the concept of being laborers together with God.
"I was directed to James 5:1-3 : “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.” 1T 174.3"
"Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days."
Ellen White directly references James 5:1-3 in this passage.
I saw that these fearful words apply particularly to the wealthy who profess to believe the present truth. The Lord calls them to use their means to advance His cause. Opportunities are presented to them, but they shut their eyes to the wants of the cause, and cling fast to their earthly treasure. Their love for the world is greater than their love for the truth, their love for their fellow men, or their love for God. He calls for their substance, but they selfishly, covetously, retain what they have. They give a little now and then to ease their conscience, but have not overcome their love for this world. They do not sacrifice for God. The Lord has raised up others that prize eternal life, and that can feel and realize something of the value of the soul, and they have freely bestowed their means to advance the cause of God. The work is closing; and soon the means of those who have kept their riches, their large farms, their cattle, etc., will not be wanted. I saw the Lord turn to such…
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
EGW's statement about clinging to earthly treasure and the heart following treasure directly reflects the principle stated in Matthew 6:21.
"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
Both passages address the danger of loving the world more than God. EGW's passage expands on the implications of this love, particularly in the context of wealth and giving to God's work.