In the second combat there was much, very much at stake. Yet here again Brother F failed. He did not engage in that conflict feeling his weakness and in humility and simplicity relying upon the strength of God. He again felt a sufficiency in himself. His past successes had lifted him up. He thought that the victories he had gained were very much due to his aptness in using the powerful arguments furnished in the word of God. 1T 624.1 I was shown that the advocates of truth should not seek discussions. And whenever it is necessary for the advancement of the cause of truth and the glory of God that an opponent be met, how carefully and with what humility should they go into the conflict. With heart-searching, confession of sin, and earnest prayer, and often fasting for a time, they should entreat that God would especially help them and give His saving, precious truth a glorious victory, that error might appear in its true deformity and its advocates be completely discomfited. Those who b…
"Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;"
The EGW passage directly addresses the idea that Brother F relied on his own strength rather than God's. The verse from 2 Corinthians states that our sufficiency is from God. The EGW passage is a practical application of the principle stated in the Bible verse.
"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
The EGW passage highlights Brother F's mistake of relying on his own strength instead of God's. The verse from 2 Corinthians 12:9 emphasizes that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. The EGW passage serves as an example of the principle that relying on God's strength, especially in weakness, is essential for success.
"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle stated in James 4:6: humility is favored by God, while pride is resisted. Brother F's self-sufficiency is contrasted with the need for humility, mirroring the verse's teaching.
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
The EGW passage describes Brother F's failure due to pride and self-sufficiency. Proverbs 16:18 states that pride comes before a fall. The EGW passage illustrates the principle of Proverbs 16:18.
"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."
The EGW passage emphasizes relying on God's strength rather than one's own abilities, which aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 3:7 that God is the one who gives the increase, not the planter or waterer. The passage is not a direct allusion, but a principle derived from the verse.