"Would these teachers work with the spirit of the Master, very different results would follow. With meekness and long-suffering, gentleness and love, yet with decided earnestness, they would seek to direct those erring souls to a crucified and risen Saviour. When this is done, we shall see God moving upon the hearts of men. Says the great apostle: “We are laborers together with God.” What a work for poor mortals! We are provided with spiritual weapons to “fight the good fight of faith;” but some seem to have drawn from the armory of heaven only its thunderbolts. How long must these defects exist? 4T 536.1"
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
EGW directly quotes "We are laborers together with God" from 1 Corinthians 3:9.
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;"
EGW mentions "meekness and long-suffering, gentleness and love," which aligns with the qualities listed in Ephesians 4:2: "lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." The themes are very similar.
"Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses."
EGW directly quotes "fight the good fight of faith" from 1 Timothy 6:12.
While in the midst of a religious interest, some neglect the most important part of the work. They fail to visit and become acquainted with those who have shown an interest to present themselves night after night to listen to the explanation of the Scriptures. Conversation upon religious subjects, and earnest prayer with such at the right time, might balance many souls in the right direction. Ministers who neglect their duty in this respect are not true shepherds of the flock. At the very time when they should be most active in visiting, conversing, and praying with these interested ones, some will be employed in writing unnecessarily long letters to persons at a distance. Oh, what are we doing for the Master! When probation shall end, how many will see the opportunities they have neglected to render service to their dear Lord who died for them. And even those who were accounted most faithful will see much more that they might have done, had not their minds been diverted by worldly sur…
"I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."
The EGW passage discusses ministers being true shepherds of the flock by visiting and praying with interested individuals, echoing the concept of a good shepherd caring for his sheep as described in John 10:11.
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of conversation and prayer, aligning with James 5:16, which encourages confession and prayer for healing and effectiveness.