"As our numbers are increasing, broader plans must be laid to meet the increasing demands of the times; but we see no special increase of fervent piety, of Christian simplicity, and earnest devotion. The church seem content to take only the first steps in conversion. They are more ready for active labor than for humble devotion, more ready to engage in outward religious service than in the inner work of the heart. Meditation and prayer are neglected for bustle and show. Religion must begin with emptying and purifying the heart, and must be nurtured by daily prayer. 4T 535.1"
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
Both passages address a decline in spiritual fervor and a departure from initial devotion. EGW speaks of the church taking only the first steps in conversion, while Revelation 2:4 rebukes the church for leaving its first love. The thematic connection is clear and relevant.
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
Both passages emphasize the importance of spiritual strength coming from God's spirit rather than outward actions or human effort.
"activity in the mechanical part of even the work of God may so occupy the mind that prayer shall be neglected, and self-importance and self-sufficiency, so ready to urge their way, shall take the place of true goodness, meekness, and lowliness of heart. The zealous cry may be heard: “The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these.” “Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord.” But where are the burden bearers? where are the fathers and mothers in Israel? Where are those who carry upon the heart the burden for souls and who come in close sympathy with their fellow men, ready to place themselves in any position to save them from eternal ruin? 4T 535.2"
"Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these."
EGW directly quotes the phrase "The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these," which is a clear and explicit allusion to Jeremiah 7:4. The context in both passages also involves a critique of outward religious activity without genuine inward transformation.
“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.” “Ye are,” says Christ, “the light of the world.” What a responsibility! There is need of fasting, humiliation, and prayer over our decaying zeal and languishing spirituality. The love of many is waxing cold. The efforts of many of our preachers are not what they should be. When some who lack the Spirit and power of God enter a new field, they commence denouncing other denominations, thinking that they can convince the people of the truth by presenting the inconsistencies of the popular churches. It may seem necessary on some occasions to speak of these things, but in general it only creates prejudice against our work and closes the ears of many who might otherwise have listened to the truth. If these teachers were connected closely with Christ, they would have divine wisdom to know how to approach the people. They would not so soon forget the darkness and error, the passion and prejudice, which kept themselves fro…
"Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."
EGW directly quotes Zechariah 4:6: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." This is a clear and explicit allusion.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
EGW directly quotes "Ye are the light of the world" from Matthew 5:14.
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love."
EGW's statement "The love of many is waxing cold" echoes the sentiment in Revelation 2:4 about leaving one's first love. While not a direct quote, the theme of declining love and spiritual fervor is present in both passages.