"The prosperity of the cause of God depends much upon the ministers who labor in the gospel field. Those who teach the truth should be devotional, self-sacrificing, godly men who understand their business and go about doing good because they know that God has called them to the work, men who feel the worth of souls and will bear burdens and responsibilities. A thorough workman is known by the perfection of his work. 1T 442.1"
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
1 Timothy 4:16 emphasizes the importance of ministers taking heed to themselves and their doctrine for the sake of their own salvation and that of their hearers. EGW's statement about ministers being devotional, self-sacrificing, and understanding their business aligns directly with this principle of personal and doctrinal integrity for effective ministry.
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
Matthew 7:16 speaks of judging by fruits. EGW's statement about a 'thorough workman' being known by the perfection of his work is a clear parallel to this principle. The quality of the minister's work is the 'fruit' by which they are known.
"as laborers. And before they were proved, or could show any good fruit of their labors, men whom God has not sent have been encouraged and flattered by some brethren lacking experience. But their work shows the character of the workman. They scatter and confuse, but do not gather in and build up. A few may receive the truth as the fruit of their labors, but these generally rise no higher than those from whom they learned the truth. The same lack which marked their own course is seen in their converts. 1T 442.2"
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?"
Both passages use the metaphor of 'fruit' to evaluate the quality and character of someone's work or ministry. EGW applies it to the converts, while Matthew applies it to the teachers themselves.
"He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."
Both passages contrast gathering and scattering, with the former representing constructive work and the latter representing destructive or ineffective work.