"***** Gospel ministers are to keep their office free from all things secular or political, employing all their time and talents in lines of Christian effort. 7T 252.1"
"No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."
The EGW passage advises gospel ministers to avoid secular and political entanglements, focusing instead on Christian efforts. This aligns directly with 2 Timothy 2:4, which states that a soldier should not entangle himself with the affairs of this life to please his commander. The principle of avoiding distractions to focus on one's primary calling is central to both passages.
"***** To fasten a minister to one place by giving him the oversight of business matters connected with the work of the church is not conducive to his spirituality. To do this is not in accordance with the Bible plan as outlined in the sixth chapter of Acts. Study this plan, for it is approved of God. Follow the word. 7T 252.2"
"Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."
EGW explicitly references Acts 6 and applies its principle of delegating tasks to avoid overburdening spiritual leaders.
"***** He who holds forth the word of life is not to allow too many burdens to be placed upon him. He must take time to study the word and to examine self. If he closely searches his own heart, and gives himself to the Lord, he will better understand how to grasp the hidden things of God. 7T 252.3"
"Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all."
Both passages emphasize the importance of ministers dedicating time to study and self-reflection for spiritual growth.
"***** Instead of choosing the work most pleasing to us, and refusing to do something that our brethren think we should do, we are to inquire: “Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?” Instead of marking out the way that natural inclination prompts us to follow, we are to pray: “Teach me Thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path.” Psalm 27:11 . 7T 252.4"
"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 27:11 in this passage.
"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths."
EGW directly quotes Psalm 27:11 and Psalm 25:4, applying it to the individual's search for God's will.
"And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do."
EGW directly quotes the sentiment expressed in Acts 9:6, applying it to the individual's search for God's will.