"climates and new society, and can better endure inconveniences and hardships. By tact and perseverance they can reach the people where they are. 5T 393.1"
"To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."
Both passages highlight the importance of adapting to different people and circumstances in order to effectively reach them. 1 Corinthians 9:22 describes Paul's willingness to become 'all things to all men,' while the EGW passage emphasizes the ability of young missionaries to adapt to new climates and societies.
"Strength comes by exercise. All who put to use the ability which God has given them will have increased ability to devote to His service. Those who do nothing in the cause of God will fail to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. A man who would lie down and refuse to exercise his limbs would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength which he already has; he becomes a spiritual paralytic. It is those who, with love for God and their fellow men, are striving to help others that become established, strengthened, settled, in the truth. The true Christian works for God, not from impulse, but from principle; not for a day or a month, but during the entire period of life. 5T 393.2"
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."
The EGW passage directly applies the principle of Matthew 25:29 (the parable of the talents) to spiritual growth and the use of God-given abilities. The idea of gaining more by using what you have and losing what you have by not using it is central to both passages.
"But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
Both passages discuss the importance of exercising one's abilities (spiritual senses in Hebrews, God-given powers in EGW) to grow and mature. The concept of 'use' leading to development is a clear parallel.
"How is our light to shine forth to the world unless it be by our consistent Christian life? How is the world to know that we belong to Christ, if we do nothing for Him? Said our Saviour: “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” And again: “He that is not with Me is against Me.” There is no neutral ground between those who work to the utmost of their ability for Christ and those who work for the adversary of souls. Everyone who stands as an idler in the vineyard of the Lord is not merely doing nothing himself, but he is a hindrance to those who are trying to work. Satan finds employment for all who are not earnestly striving to secure their own salvation and the salvation of others. 5T 393.3"
"Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."
EGW directly quotes Matthew 7:20 ('Ye shall know them by their fruits.') to support her argument about the importance of a consistent Christian life. This is a clear and direct allusion.