"Chapter 22—Temperance and Dietetics “Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” Every student needs to understand the relation between plain living and high thinking. It rests with us individually to decide whether our lives shall be controlled by the mind or by the body. The youth must, each for himself, make the choice that shapes his life; and no pains should be spared that he may understand the forces with which he has to deal, and the influences which mold character and destiny. Ed 202"
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."
EGW directly quotes 1 Corinthians 9:25, making it a clear and explicit allusion. The context of temperance further reinforces the connection.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service."
The idea of presenting your body as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) aligns with EGW's emphasis on controlling the body and making choices that honor God. The connection is thematic, focusing on the dedication of one's physical being to a higher purpose.
"Intemperance is a foe against which all need to be guarded. The rapid increase of this terrible evil should arouse every lover of his race to warfare against it. The practice of giving instruction on temperance topics in the schools is a move in the right direction. Instruction in this line should be given in every school and in every home. The youth and children should understand the effect of alcohol, tobacco, and other like poisons in breaking down the body, beclouding the mind, and sensualizing the soul. It should be made plain that no one who uses these things can long possess the full strength of his physical, mental, or moral faculties. Ed 202.2"
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"
Both passages address the need for vigilance and self-control against destructive forces. 1 Peter 5:8 speaks of the devil, while EGW speaks of intemperance. The connection is thematic, focusing on the need to be sober and alert to avoid being overcome by harmful influences.
"But in order to reach the root of intemperance we must go deeper than the use of alcohol or tobacco. Idleness, lack of aim, or evil associations, may be the predisposing cause. Often it is found at the home table, in families that account themselves strictly temperate. Anything that disorders digestion, that creates undue mental excitement, or in any way enfeebles the system, disturbing the balance of the mental and the physical powers, weakens the control of the mind over the body, and thus tends toward intemperance. The downfall of many a promising youth might be traced to unnatural appetites created by an unwholesome diet. Ed 202.3"
"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any."
Both passages discuss the idea of things being permissible but not beneficial, and the importance of not being controlled by anything. 1 Corinthians 6:12 states that not all things are expedient and that one should not be brought under the power of anything. EGW discusses how certain things, even seemingly harmless ones, can lead to intemperance and weaken self-control. The principle of not being controlled by appetites or habits is present in both.