"All who seek to uplift themselves by conforming to the world set an example that is misleading. God recognizes as His those only who practice the self-denial and sacrifice which He has enjoined. Physicians are to understand that their power lies in their meekness and lowliness of heart. God will honor those who make Him their dependence. 6T 251.2"
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
EGW's statement about not conforming to the world and practicing self-denial directly reflects the principle outlined in Romans 12:2. Both passages encourage believers to be distinct from the world and to live according to God's will.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
The EGW passage directly encourages meekness and lowliness of heart, echoing the call of Jesus in Matthew 11:29. The context of self-denial and dependence on God further strengthens the connection.
"The style of a physician's dress, his equipage, his furniture, count not one jot with God. He cannot work by His Holy Spirit with those who try to compete with the world in dress and display. He who follows Christ must deny himself and take up the cross. 6T 251.3"
"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
The phrase 'deny himself and take up the cross' is a clear and direct allusion to Matthew 16:24, making the connection undeniable.
"The physician who loves and fears God will need to make no outward display in order to distinguish himself; for the Sun of Righteousness is shining in his heart and is revealed in his life, and this gives him distinction. Those who work in Christ's lines will be living epistles, known and read of all men. Through their example and influence men of wealth and talent will be turned from the cheapness of material things to lay hold on eternal realities. The greatest respect will ever be shown to the physician who reveals that he receives his directions from God. Nothing will work so powerfully for the advancement of God's instrumentality as for those connected with it to stand steadfast as His faithful servants. 6T 251.4"
"Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart."
The EGW passage uses the 'living epistles, known and read of all men' imagery, which is directly derived from 2 Corinthians 3:2-3. The concept of Christians being examples for others to follow is central to both passages.
"The physician will find that it is for his present and eternal good to follow the Lord's ways of working. The mind that God has made He can mold without the power of man, but He honors men by asking them to co- operate with Him in His great work. 6T 251.5"
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
The EGW passage speaks of co-operating with God in His work, which aligns with the concept of being 'laborers together with God' in 1 Corinthians 3:9. Both emphasize the partnership between God and humans in accomplishing His purposes.