"God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. Then clearer and still clearer will be our perception of truth, higher, holier, our desire for purity of heart and clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of Scriptures. COL 60.1"
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Both passages encourage focusing on positive and virtuous thoughts. Philippians 4:8 lists specific qualities to think about, while the EGW passage suggests meditating on God's love, mercy, and the plan of redemption. Both aim to improve one's character through focused thought.
"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 through beholding or studying God. 2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of being changed into the same image as the Lord, while the EGW passage describes the soul being transformed through communion with God via Scripture study. The core idea of transformation through divine interaction is present in both.
"But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."
Both passages connect meditation on God's word with positive spiritual growth. Psalm 1:2 highlights the delight in and meditation on God's law, while the EGW passage emphasizes the benefits of meditating on God's love, mercy, and plan of redemption. Both suggest that focused thought on divine matters leads to spiritual improvement.
"word of God, received into the soul, will be manifest in good works. Its results will be seen in a Christlike character and life. Christ said of Himself, “I delight to do Thy will, O My God; yea, Thy law is within My heart.” Psalm 40:8 . “I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” John 5:30 . And the Scripture says, “He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked.” 1 John 2:6 . COL 60.2"
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 40:8 in this passage.
"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me."
Ellen White directly references John 5:30 in this passage.
"He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked."
Ellen White directly references 1 John 2:6 in this passage.
"The word of God often comes in collision with man's hereditary and cultivated traits of character and his habits of life. But the good-ground hearer, in receiving the word, accepts all its conditions and requirements. His habits, customs, and practices are brought into submission to God's word. In his view the commands of finite, erring man sink into insignificance beside the word of the infinite God. With the whole heart, with undivided purpose, he is seeking the life eternal, and at the cost of loss, persecution, or death itself, he will obey the truth. COL 60.3"
"Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of obeying God over men, as exemplified in Acts 5:29. The context of the EGW quote, discussing obedience to God's word even in the face of opposition, aligns closely with the apostles' declaration.
"He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me."
Both passages emphasize prioritizing God's will above all else, even familial relationships. Matthew 10:37 states that loving family more than God makes one unworthy, while the EGW passage describes the good-ground hearer submitting to God's word, even at the cost of loss or death. Both highlight the importance of obedience to God's commands, even when it conflicts with personal desires or relationships.
"And he brings forth fruit “with patience.” None who receive God's word are exempt from difficulty and trial; but when affliction comes, the true Christian does not become restless, distrustful, or despondent. Though we can not see the definite outcome of affairs, or discern the purpose of God's providences, we are not to cast away our confidence. Remembering the tender mercies of the Lord, we should cast our care upon Him, and with patience wait for His salvation. COL 60.4"
"But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
The EGW passage directly quotes and expands upon the phrase "bring forth fruit with patience" from Luke 8:15, making it a clear and explicit allusion.
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."
The EGW passage uses the phrase "cast our care upon Him" which is a direct quote from 1 Peter 5:7. The surrounding context in EGW also discusses trusting God during trials, aligning with the verse's message.
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"
Both passages connect tribulation with the development of patience. While EGW doesn't directly quote Romans 5:3-4, the theme of tribulation leading to patience and spiritual growth is present in both.