"Great moral darkness prevails, and only the power of truth can drive away the shadows from a single mind. We are battling with giant errors and the strongest prejudices, and without the special help of God our efforts will fail either to convert souls or to elevate our own moral natures. Human skill and the very best natural abilities and acquisitions are powerless to quicken the soul to discern the enormity of sin and to banish it from the heart. 4T 262.1"
"For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."
Both passages speak of a prevailing darkness and the need for divine light/truth to overcome it. The EGW passage directly addresses 'great moral darkness' and the Isaiah verse speaks of 'darkness' covering the earth.
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
The EGW passage states that 'Human skill...are powerless to quicken the soul' which aligns with the principle in 1 Corinthians 2:14 that the 'natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God.' Both highlight the necessity of spiritual discernment and the limitations of human ability in spiritual matters.
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Both passages emphasize the role of the Spirit in bringing life and spiritual understanding. EGW speaks of the 'quickening influence of His Holy Spirit' and John 6:63 states 'It is the spirit that quickeneth.'
"Ministers should be careful not to expect too much from persons who are still groping in the darkness of error. They should do their work well, relying upon God to impart to inquiring souls the mysterious, quickening influence of His Holy Spirit knowing that without this their labors will be unsuccessful. They should be patient and wise in dealing with minds, remembering how manifold are the circumstances that have developed such different traits in individuals. They should strictly guard themselves also lest self should get the supremacy and Jesus should be left out of the question. 4T 262.2"
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
Both passages emphasize the importance of gentleness, humility, and self-awareness when dealing with others who are struggling. EGW speaks of being 'patient and wise in dealing with minds' and Galatians 6:1 advises restoring others 'in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.'
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."
Both passages emphasize that human effort is insufficient without God's power to bring about spiritual growth and conversion. The EGW passage directly applies this principle to the work of ministers.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Both passages emphasize humility and avoiding self-centeredness. The EGW passage warns ministers against letting 'self should get the supremacy,' while Philippians 2:3 encourages lowliness of mind and esteeming others better than oneself. The connection is valid and meaningful.