"The special effort of ministers, and of workers all through our ranks, for this time, should be to turn away the attention of the youth from all exciting stories, to the sure word of prophecy. The attention of every soul striving for eternal life should center upon the Bible.... CE 210.1"
"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:"
EGW's emphasis on turning attention to the 'sure word of prophecy' and centering on the Bible directly alludes to 2 Peter 1:19, which speaks of the 'more sure word of prophecy' and encourages taking heed to it.
"It is with feelings of inexpressible sadness, and sometimes almost with despair, that I contemplate the condition of the young, and see how difficult it is to encourage those to obtain an education to whom I know God has liberally entrusted capabilities. Without education, they will be crippled and inefficient in any position. Yet in gaining this education they will be exposed to dangers and temptations. Satan will try to employ their cultivated abilities in his service.... CE 210.2"
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
EGW's concern about the dangers and temptations young people face while pursuing education, and Satan's attempts to use their abilities, aligns with the warning in 1 Peter 5:8 about the devil seeking whom he may devour. Both passages acknowledge the presence of spiritual dangers and the need for vigilance.
"The plans devised and carried out for the education of our youth are none too broad. They should not have a one-sided education, but all their powers should receive equal attention. Moral philosophy, the study of the Scriptures, and physical training should be combined with the studies usually pursued in schools. Every power —physical, mental, and moral—needs to be trained, disciplined, and developed, that it may render its highest service; for unless all are equally developed, one faculty cannot do its work thoroughly, without overtaxing some part of the human machinery. CE 210.3"
"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man."
Both passages emphasize balanced development. Luke 2:52 describes Jesus' growth in wisdom, stature, favor with God, and favor with man, encompassing mental, physical, spiritual, and social aspects. EGW advocates for equal attention to physical, mental, and moral powers. The connection is thematic, focusing on holistic development.