"In your study of the word of God, penetrate deeper and still deeper beneath the surface. Lay hold by faith on divine power and sound the depths of inspiration. Bring into your ministry the power of God, remembering that the Lord is behind you. Let His love shine through all you do and say. Let the truth, the precious, simple truth of the word of God, shine out in full brightness. Humble self before God. Christ will be your efficiency. He has appointed you as rulers over His household, to give meat in due season. Christ's laborers are very near His heart of love. He desires to perfect His household through the perfection of His ministers. 9T 151.1"
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
Both passages emphasize the importance of studying and understanding the Word of God for ministry. 2 Timothy 2:15 urges diligent study to be approved and rightly divide the word of truth. The EGW passage encourages deeper study of God's word and bringing the power of God into ministry, directly aligning with the principle of diligent study for effective service.
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?"
The EGW passage directly alludes to Matthew 24:45 with the phrase "rulers over His household, to give meat in due season." This is a clear reference to the parable of the faithful servant.
"***** Christ is the sympathetic, compassionate Redeemer. In His sustaining power, men and women become strong to resist evil. As the convicted sinner looks at sin, it becomes to him exceeding sinful. He wonders that he did not come to Christ before. He sees that his faults must be overcome and that his appetites and passions must be subjected to God's will, that he must be a partaker of the divine nature, having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust. Having repented of his transgression of God's law, he strives earnestly to overcome sin. He seeks to reveal the power of Christ's grace, and he is brought into personal touch with the Saviour. Constantly he keeps Christ before him. Praying, believing, receiving the blessings he needs, he comes nearer and nearer to God's standard for him. 9T 151.2"
"For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin."
The EGW passage emphasizes Christ's compassion and ability to empower believers to resist evil, which directly reflects the principle in Hebrews 4:15 that Christ understands our weaknesses and temptations.
"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust."
The EGW passage explicitly mentions becoming "a partaker of the divine nature, having overcome the corruption that is in the world through lust," which is a direct allusion to 2 Peter 1:4.
"Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
Both passages discuss overcoming sin and not letting it reign in our lives. The EGW passage speaks of subjecting appetites and passions to God's will, while Romans 6:12-14 urges believers not to yield to lusts and to yield themselves to God instead. The theme of overcoming sin through God's grace is present in both.
"New virtues are revealed in his character as he denies self and lifts the cross, following where Christ leads the way. He loves the Lord Jesus with his whole heart, and Christ becomes his wisdom, his righteousness, his sanctification, and his redemption. 9T 151.3"
"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:"
The EGW passage directly lists 'wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption' as being found in Christ, mirroring the language of 1 Corinthians 1:30 almost exactly.
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."
The EGW passage echoes the sentiment of being crucified with Christ and living through faith, emphasizing Christ's role in the believer's life. The connection is strong and meaningful.
"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 EGW passage speaks of denying self, lifting the cross, and following Christ, which are all central themes in Matthew 16:24. The connection is clear and relevant.