"While Lucifer counted it a thing to be grasped to be equal with God, Christ, the Exalted One, “made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:7, 8 . Now the cross was just before Him; and His own disciples were so filled with self- seeking—the very principle of Satan's kingdom—that they could not enter into sympathy with their Lord, or even understand Him as He spoke of His humiliation for them. DA 436.1"
"But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"
EGW directly quotes the verse from Philippians 2:7.
"And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
EGW directly quotes the verse from Philippians 2:8.
"I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."
The EGW passage contrasts Lucifer's desire to be equal with God (Isaiah 14:14) with Christ's humility (Philippians 2:7,8). While the EGW passage directly quotes Philippians, the reference to Lucifer's ambition clearly echoes the sentiment expressed in Isaiah 14:14, making it a valid thematic parallel.
"Very tenderly, yet with solemn emphasis, Jesus tried to correct the evil. He showed what is the principle that bears sway in the kingdom of heaven, and in what true greatness consists, as estimated by the standard of the courts above. Those who were actuated by pride and love of distinction were thinking of themselves, and of the rewards they were to have, rather than how they were to render back to God the gifts they had received. They would have no place in the kingdom of heaven, for they were identified with the ranks of Satan. DA 436.2"
"And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
The EGW passage directly addresses the principle of humility versus pride and its impact on one's standing in the kingdom of heaven, which is the core message of Matthew 23:12.
"Before honor is humility. To fill a high place before men, Heaven chooses the worker who, like John the Baptist, takes a lowly place before God. The most childlike disciple is the most efficient in labor for God. The heavenly intelligences can co-operate with him who is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save souls. He who feels most deeply his need of divine aid will plead for it; and the Holy Spirit will give unto him glimpses of Jesus that will strengthen and uplift the soul. From communion with Christ he will go forth to work for those who are perishing in their sins. He is anointed for his mission; and he succeeds where many of the learned and intellectually wise would fail. DA 436.3"
"The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility."
The EGW passage directly quotes the principle 'Before honor is humility' and expands upon it, making a clear connection to Proverbs 15:33.
"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Both passages emphasize the importance of humility and childlike faith in the kingdom of heaven. The EGW passage expands on this theme, highlighting the efficiency of the 'most childlike disciple' in God's work.
"But when men exalt themselves, feeling that they are a necessity for the success of God's great plan, the Lord causes them to be set aside. It is made evident that the Lord is not dependent upon them. The work does not stop because of their removal from it, but goes forward with greater power. DA 436.4"
"So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase."
Both passages highlight that God is the ultimate source of success and that human self-importance can be a hindrance. The EGW passage illustrates this by describing how God can set aside those who exalt themselves, while 1 Corinthians 3:7 emphasizes that neither the planter nor the waterer is significant, but God who gives the increase.