"Chapter 47—The Publishing Work There are and ever will be many perplexities connected with the publishing office at Battle Creek. The institutions established there are God's instrumentalities for accomplishing His work in the earth. For this reason Satan is on the ground, exercising his ingenuity to embarrass and hinder. He comes with his temptations to men and women connected with these institutions, whether in responsible positions or doing the humblest work, and if possible he so ensnares them with his devices that they lose their connection with God, become confused in judgment, and are unable to discern between right and wrong. He knows that the time will surely come when the spirit that has controlled the life will be made manifest, and he is glad to have the lives of these persons testify against them that they are not co-workers with Christ. 5T 407"
"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
The EGW passage describes Satan's influence and efforts to hinder God's work within institutions. This aligns thematically with Ephesians 6:12, which speaks of wrestling against spiritual forces of darkness. While not a direct quote, the concept of a spiritual battle against unseen forces is clearly present in both passages.
Many who have grown to the years and stature of manhood are deficient in the elements that constitute a noble, manly character. God does not regard them as men. They are not reliable. Some of these are connected with our institutions. They have influence; but it is of a pernicious character, for it is seldom on the side of right. While they profess godliness, their example constantly tends to encourage unrighteousness. Skepticism is interwoven with their thoughts and expressed in their words, and their powers are used for the perversion of righteousness, truth, and justice. Their minds are controlled by Satan, and he works through them to demoralize and bring in confusion. The more pleasing and attractive their manners, the more richly they are endowed with brilliant talents, the more effectual agents are they in the hands of the enemy of all righteousness to demoralize all who come under their influence. It will be found a hard and thankless task to keep these from becoming a ruling p…
"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."
The EGW passage warns about individuals within institutions who profess godliness but promote unrighteousness and skepticism, acting as agents of Satan. This parallels Matthew 7:15, which cautions against false prophets who appear harmless but are inwardly destructive. The core idea of deceptive individuals working against righteousness connects the two passages.