"The time of trouble is just before us; and then stern necessity will require the people of God to deny self, and to eat merely enough to sustain life; but God will prepare us for that time. In that fearful hour our necessity will be God's opportunity to impart His strengthening power, and to sustain His people. But now God requires them to labor with their hands, the thing that is good, and lay by them in store as He has prospered them, and do their part in sustaining the cause of truth. This is a duty enjoined upon all who are not especially called to labor in word and doctrine, to devote their time to proclaiming to others the way of life and salvation. 1T 206.1"
"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."
The EGW passage directly echoes the sentiment of Ephesians 4:28 regarding laboring with one's hands and providing for others. The context of the EGW quote expands on this principle in light of the 'time of trouble,' but the core idea is present.
"Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
The EGW passage mentions those 'especially called to labor in word and doctrine,' which directly parallels the concept of elders who labor in the word and doctrine in 1 Timothy 5:17. EGW applies this principle to a broader context, but the core idea is present.
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The EGW passage discusses prioritizing God's work and trusting that He will provide, which aligns with the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God in Matthew 6:33. The idea of 'stern necessity' and God's 'strengthening power' in times of trouble also echoes the promise that 'all these things shall be added unto you.'
"of nourishing, strengthening food to build up their strength; for they will be obliged to exercise all the strength they have. I saw that it does not glorify God in the least for any of His people to make a time of trouble for themselves. There is a time of trouble just before God's people, and He will prepare them for that fearful conflict. 1T 206.2"
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."
Both passages discuss preparation for a difficult time or conflict, with the Ephesians verse focusing on spiritual armor and the EGW passage emphasizing physical and spiritual strength through proper nourishment and divine preparation. The theme of readiness for a future struggle connects them.
I saw that your views concerning swine's flesh [This remarkable testimony was written October 21, 1858, nearly five years before the great vision of 1863, in which the light upon health reform was given. When the right time came, the subject was given in a manner to move all our people. How wonderful are the wisdom and goodness of God! It might be as wrong to crowd the milk, salt, and sugar question now, as the pork question in 1858.—J.W., note to second edition .] would prove no injury if you have them to yourselves; but in your judgment and opinion you have made this question a test, and your actions have plainly shown your faith in this matter. If God requires His people to abstain from swine's flesh, He will convict them on the matter. He is just as willing to show His honest children their duty, as to show their duty to individuals upon whom He has not laid the burden of His work. If it is the duty of the church to abstain from swine's flesh, God will discover it to more than two …
"Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth."
Both passages address the principle of keeping personal convictions private, particularly when they are not universally shared or mandated. Romans 14:22 encourages individuals to keep their faith between themselves and God, while the EGW passage advises against making personal views on swine's flesh a test of fellowship. The core principle of not imposing personal convictions on others is present in both.
"Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him."
Both passages address the principle of not judging others based on their dietary choices. Romans 14:3 explicitly states not to despise or judge those who eat or abstain, while the EGW passage implicitly warns against making the consumption of swine's flesh a test of faith and judging others based on it. The underlying principle of acceptance and non-judgment is shared.