Ever since your case was first presented to me in vision, I have seen a lack in you. Your mind is not elevated. You stand in the desk and handle the most holy, sacred, elevating truths in an able manner; but when treating upon the most solemn subjects, you often bring in something comical to create a smile, and this frequently destroys the force of your whole discourse. You handle solemn truths with ease, but do not live them, and that is the reason why the heavenly endorsement is lacking. Many whose ears you have pleased will talk of the smart discourse, the able preacher, but are no more impressed with the necessity of obeying the truth than before they listened to it. They go on transgressing God's law as before. It was the minister that pleased them, not the truths which he uttered. You remain at so great a distance from God that His power does not set home the truth. You should live religion at home, and it would have an influence to elevate your family, to elevate your wife. When…
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage aligns with the principle of Matthew 7:21. The minister's actions are not aligned with his words, and the EGW passage emphasizes the importance of 'doing' the truth, not just speaking it. This directly reflects the message of Matthew 7:21 about doing the will of the Father.
"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."
Both passages address the issue of eloquence without substance. 1 Corinthians 13:1 speaks of sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal if one lacks charity, implying empty words. The EGW passage describes a preacher who pleases ears but doesn't impress upon listeners the need to obey the truth, suggesting a similar emptiness despite the preacher's skill.
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of James 1:22. The minister is criticized for handling truths ably but not living them, resulting in a lack of impact on his audience. This aligns perfectly with the idea of being a 'hearer only' and deceiving oneself.
Your only safety is in studying yourself, your weakness and failings. Do not cease to guard yourself. Watch yourself more closely when at home. Watch yourself when away from home. You neglect your closet duties, lay off your armor, and give up to a spirit of recklessness that drives angels from you and from your family. Do not neglect to search your own heart at home. Lavish not all your affections upon your family. Preserve your heart's best affections to devote to Jesus, who has redeemed you by His blood. When at home, be fitting up all the time for your Master's business when you shall be away from home. If you do this, you will have on the armor every moment. Your soul's highest desire will be to glorify God, to do His will upon earth, and you will have sweet confidence and trust in Him. You will not feel so restless, but will have a constant theme for meditation, devotion, and holiness. I was referred to 1 Corinthians 9:27 : “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection:…
"But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway."
Ellen White directly references 1 Corinthians 9:27 in this passage.
"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."
The EGW passage uses the metaphor of 'armor' to describe spiritual preparedness, which directly echoes the 'armor of God' concept in Ephesians 6:11. Both emphasize the need to be equipped for spiritual battle.
"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."
The EGW passage mentions 'closet duties' and searching one's heart at home, which aligns with the principle of private prayer and devotion described in Matthew 6:6. Both emphasize the importance of personal, intimate communion with God.
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
Both passages encourage watchfulness and steadfastness in faith. The EGW passage urges guarding oneself and avoiding recklessness, while 1 Corinthians 16:13 calls for vigilance, standing firm in faith, and being strong. The connection lies in the shared theme of spiritual fortitude.
"For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s."
Both passages emphasize glorifying God through one's actions and affections, recognizing that believers have been 'bought with a price' (redeemed). The EGW passage directly connects preserving affections for Jesus with His redemptive act, echoing the sentiment in 1 Corinthians 6:20.
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages emphasize vigilance and self-control to resist spiritual dangers. The EGW passage speaks of guarding oneself and avoiding recklessness, while 1 Peter 5:8 warns about the devil seeking to devour. The connection is thematic, focusing on spiritual alertness.