"You will say: This is hard work; the way is too narrow, I cannot walk in it. Is the way more strait in this letter than you find it plainly marked out in the word of God? Heaven is worth a lifelong, persevering, untiring effort. If you now draw back and become discouraged, you will certainly lose heaven—lose immortal life and the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Those who have a seat at the Saviour's side on His throne are only that class who have overcome as He overcame. Love for pure, sanctifying truth, love for the dear Redeemer, will lighten the labor of overcoming. His strength will be cheerfully granted to all who are really desirous of it. He will crown with grace and peace every persevering effort made in His name. 4T 38.1"
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
EGW directly references the narrow way and the difficulty of walking it, echoing Matthew 7:14. The connection is clear and intentional.
"To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
EGW directly mentions overcoming and sitting with the Savior on His throne, which is a clear reference to Revelation 3:21. The connection is explicit and intentional.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 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."
Both passages discuss the effort and discipline required to attain salvation. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 uses the analogy of running a race and striving for a crown, while EGW speaks of a lifelong, persevering effort to gain heaven. The theme of striving for a reward is present in both.