"In order to be a truly successful minister, one must wholly consecrate himself to the work of saving souls. It is highly essential that he should be closely united with Christ, seeking continual counsel from Him and depending upon His aid. Some fail of success because they trust to the strength of argument alone and do not cry earnestly to God for His wisdom to direct them and His grace to sanctify their efforts. Long discourses and tedious prayers are positively injurious to a religious interest and fail to carry conviction to the consciences of the people. This propensity for speechmaking frequently dampens a religious interest that might have produced great results. 4T 261.1"
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
The EGW passage emphasizes the necessity of being closely united with Christ and depending on His aid for success in ministry, echoing the principle in John 15:5 about abiding in Christ to bear fruit. Both highlight the importance of dependence on Christ for effective work.
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
The EGW passage speaks about the need for ministers to seek counsel from God and His wisdom. James 1:5 directly encourages seeking wisdom from God. The connection is clear and direct.
"And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
The EGW passage warns against relying on the strength of argument alone and emphasizes the need for God's wisdom and grace. 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 contrasts human wisdom with the demonstration of the Spirit and power, aligning with EGW's point about not relying solely on persuasive speech but on divine power.
"The true ambassador of Christ is in perfect union with Him whom he represents, and his engrossing object is the salvation of souls. The wealth of earth dwindles into insignificance when compared with the worth of a single soul for whom our Lord and Master died. He who weigheth the hills in scales and the mountains in a balance regards a human soul as of infinite value. 4T 261.2"
"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God."
The EGW passage directly references the concept of being an ambassador for Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:20. The passage expands on the role and responsibilities of such an ambassador.
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"
Both passages emphasize the immense value of a human soul compared to earthly possessions. The EGW passage explicitly states the infinite value of a soul, while Matthew 16:26 poses a rhetorical question highlighting the futility of gaining the world but losing one's soul.
"Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?"
The EGW passage directly alludes to Isaiah 40:12 by mentioning God weighing the hills in scales and the mountains in a balance. This imagery is used to illustrate God's power and perspective, connecting to the idea that He values a human soul immensely.
"In the work of the ministry there are battles to fight and victories to gain. “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth,” said Christ, “I came not to send peace, but a sword.” The opening labors of the Christian church were attended with hardships and bitter griefs, and the successors of the early apostles find that they must meet with trials similar to theirs; privations, calumny, and every species of opposition meet them in their labors. They must be men of stanch moral courage, and of spiritual muscle. 4T 261.3"
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword."
The EGW passage directly quotes Matthew 10:34, making it an explicit allusion.
"Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
Both passages discuss the hardships and trials faced by those who follow Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3 encourages enduring hardship as a good soldier, while the EGW passage describes the battles and opposition faced by ministers. The concept of spiritual warfare and enduring trials is a common theme.
"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
While EGW quotes Matthew 10:34 directly, the connection to Ephesians 6:10 is a thematic parallel. Both passages discuss the need for strength and courage in the face of opposition, which is inherent in the Christian life and ministry.