"We are living in an unfortunate age for children. A heavy current is setting downward to perdition, and more than childhood's experience and strength is needed to press against this current and not be borne down by it. The youth generally seem to be Satan's captives, and he and his angels are leading them to certain destruction. Satan and his hosts are warring against the government of God, and all who have a desire to yield their hearts to him and obey his requirements, Satan will try to perplex and overcome with his temptations, that they may become discouraged and give up the warfare. 1T 397.1"
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages describe Satan as an adversary who seeks to destroy people. The EGW quote speaks of Satan leading youth to destruction, while 1 Peter 5:8 describes him as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. The thematic parallel is strong.
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Both passages describe a spiritual battle against evil forces. The EGW quote speaks of Satan and his hosts warring against the government of God, while Ephesians 6:12 describes wrestling against principalities, powers, and rulers of darkness. The thematic parallel is clear and relevant.
Parents, help your children. Arouse from the lethargy which has been upon you. Watch continually to cut off the current and roll back the weight of evil which Satan is pressing in upon your children. The children cannot do this of themselves, but parents can do much. By earnest prayer and living faith great victories will be gained. Some parents have not realized the responsibilities resting upon them and have neglected the religious education of their children. In the morning the Christian's first thoughts should be upon God. Worldly labor and self-interest should be secondary. Children should be taught to respect and reverence the hour of prayer. Before leaving the house for labor, all the family should be called together, and the father, or the mother in the father's absence, should plead fervently with God to keep them through the day. Come in humility with a heart full of tenderness and with a sense of the temptations and dangers before yourselves and your children; by faith bind …
"And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord."
Both passages directly address the responsibility of parents in raising their children in a Godly manner. While Ephesians 6:4 focuses on avoiding provocation and providing nurture, the EGW passage expands on the practical aspects of this nurture, such as religious education and prayer.
"And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Deuteronomy 6:7 commands parents to diligently teach their children about God's word in all aspects of life. The EGW passage aligns with this by emphasizing the importance of religious education, family prayer, and prioritizing God in the morning. It's a direct application of the principle of Deuteronomy 6:7.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
The EGW passage speaks of 'rolling back the weight of evil which Satan is pressing in upon your children' and the need to 'watch continually.' This echoes the warning in 1 Peter 5:8 to be vigilant against the devil, who seeks to devour. Both passages highlight the active and dangerous influence of Satan.
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Both passages emphasize the importance of parental guidance and training in a child's upbringing. The EGW passage elaborates on the practical application of this principle, aligning with the proverb's encouragement to 'train up a child.'
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
The EGW passage emphasizes prioritizing God in the morning and making worldly interests secondary, which directly reflects the principle of seeking first the kingdom of God as stated in Matthew 6:33.
"Pray without ceasing."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of prayer, particularly in the context of family and child-rearing. This aligns with the general principle of 'praying without ceasing,' as it advocates for consistent and fervent prayer for the well-being of one's children.