"Chapter 34—The Author God desires to bring men into direct relation with Himself. In all His dealings with human beings He recognizes the principle of personal responsibility. He seeks to encourage a sense of personal dependence and to impress the need of personal guidance. His gifts are committed to men as individuals. Every man has been made a steward of sacred trusts; each is to discharge his trust according to the direction of the Giver; and by each an account of his stewardship must be rendered to God. 7T 176"
"For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods."
Both passages discuss stewardship and the responsibility given to individuals. Matthew 25:14 introduces the parable of the talents, while EGW discusses personal responsibility and stewardship. The connection is thematic.
"In all this, God is seeking to bring the human into association with the divine, that through this connection man may become transformed into the divine likeness. Then the principle of love and goodness will be a part of his nature. Satan, seeking to thwart this purpose, constantly works to encourage dependence upon man, to make men the slaves of men. When he thus succeeds in turning minds away from God, he insinuates his own principles of selfishness, hatred, and strife. 7T 176.2"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Both passages discuss transformation into the divine likeness. 2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of being changed into the same image of the Lord, while EGW speaks of being transformed into the divine likeness through association with the divine. The connection is thematic and strong.
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God."
Both passages address the danger of being aligned against God. James 4:4 warns against friendship with the world, which is enmity with God. EGW speaks of Satan's work to turn minds away from God, leading to selfishness and strife. The connection is thematic, though not as direct as other pairs.