"Some have not come up and united in the plan of systematic benevolence, excusing themselves because they were not free from debt. They plead that they must first “owe no man anything.” But the fact that they are in debt does not excuse them. I saw that they should render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's. Some feel conscientious to “owe no man anything,” and think that God can require nothing of them until their debts are all paid. Here they deceive themselves. They fail to render to God the things that are His. Everyone must bring to the Lord a suitable offering. Those who are in debt should take the amount of their debts from what they possess, and give a proportion of the remainder. 1T 220.2"
"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
EGW directly quotes and engages with the concept of 'owe no man anything' from Romans 13:8, using it as a counterpoint to her argument about systematic benevolence. The connection is direct and intentional.
"They say unto him, Cesar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cesar the things which are Cesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s."
EGW directly quotes and applies Matthew 22:21 to the context of systematic benevolence and debt, making it an explicit allusion.
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings."
While not a direct quote, the passage in EGW echoes the sentiment of Malachi 3:8 regarding robbing God through withholding tithes and offerings. EGW's emphasis on giving to God even when in debt aligns with the idea that God's claim takes precedence.
"sacred duty to render to God a suitable proportion. Let no one throw in his claims and lead you to rob God. Let not your children steal your offering from God's altar for their own benefit. 1T 220.3"
"Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings."
The phrase "rob God" is a direct allusion to Malachi 3:8, and the context of tithes and offerings further strengthens the connection.