This is the work of a cunning devil. Those who are troubled with doubts, and have difficulties which they cannot solve, should not throw other weak minds into the same perplexity. Some have hinted or talked their unbelief and have passed on, little dreaming of the effect produced. In some instances the seeds of unbelief have taken immediate effect, while in others they have lain buried quite a length of time, until the individual has taken a wrong course and given place to the enemy, and the light of God has been withdrawn from him, and he has fallen under the powerful temptations of Satan. Then the seeds of infidelity which were sown so long ago spring up. Satan nourishes them, and they bear fruit. Anything coming from ministers who should stand in the light has a powerful influence. And when they have not stood in the clear light of God, Satan has used them as agents and has through them transmitted his fiery darts to minds not prepared to resist what has come from their ministers. 1…
"But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
Both passages discuss the subtle and deceptive influence of evil, drawing parallels to the serpent's deception of Eve. EGW expands on the process of how doubt and unbelief can take root and lead to spiritual downfall, aligning with the verse's warning about the corruption of the mind.
"letting him captivate the mind and guide the thoughts. The minister's most grievous sin in the sight of God is talking out his unbelief and drawing other minds into the same dark channel, thus suffering Satan to carry out a twofold purpose in tempting him. He unsettles the mind of the one whose course has encouraged his temptations and then leads that one to unsettle the minds of many. 1T 378.2"
"And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will."
Both passages discuss being taken captive by the devil. EGW speaks of Satan 'captivating the mind,' while 2 Timothy 2:26 refers to being 'taken captive by him at his will.' The connection is strong and relevant.
"Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."
Both passages deal with the dangers of leaders leading others astray, particularly into spiritual darkness. The EGW passage speaks of ministers drawing others into 'the same dark channel,' while Matthew 15:14 warns of 'blind leaders of the blind' leading to a fall.