"Not as a dry theory were these things to be taught. Those who would impart truth must themselves practice its principles. Only by reflecting the character of God in the uprightness, nobility, and unselfishness of their own lives can they impress others. Ed 41.1"
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The EGW passage directly reflects the principle of Matthew 5:16, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating one's faith through actions and character.
"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."
The EGW passage directly echoes the principle of James 2:18, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating faith through actions and reflecting God's character in one's life. It's more than a thematic parallel; it's a direct application of the principle.
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
The EGW passage aligns with the principle in 1 Timothy 4:12, which encourages believers to be examples in their conduct and character. The emphasis on practicing principles and reflecting the character of God mirrors Paul's instruction to Timothy.
"must be awakened, the interest aroused. For this, God's method of teaching provided. He who created the mind and ordained its laws, provided for its development in accordance with them. In the home and the sanctuary, through the things of nature and of art, in labor and in festivity, in sacred building and memorial stone, by methods and rites and symbols unnumbered, God gave to Israel lessons illustrating His principles and preserving the memory of His wonderful works. Then, as inquiry was made, the instruction given impressed mind and heart. Ed 41.2"
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
EGW's description of God's methods of teaching Israel aligns with the principle in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 of diligently teaching God's commands to children in all aspects of life.
"In the arrangements for the education of the chosen people it is made manifest that a life centered in God is a life of completeness. Every want He has implanted, He provides to satisfy; every faculty imparted, He seeks to develop. Ed 41.3"
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Both passages emphasize that focusing on God leads to completeness and provision. EGW states that God satisfies every want and develops every faculty, while Matthew 6:33 promises that 'all these things shall be added' when seeking God's kingdom first.
"The Author of all beauty, Himself a lover of the beautiful, God provided to gratify in His children the love of beauty. He made provision also for their social needs, for the kindly and helpful associations that do so much to cultivate sympathy and to brighten and sweeten life. Ed 41.4"
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
Both passages connect God with beauty and the desire for beauty. EGW expands on this by linking it to social needs and cultivating sympathy, while the Psalm focuses on beholding the beauty of the Lord in His temple. The connection is thematic but not a direct allusion.
"As a means of education an important place was filled by the feasts of Israel. In ordinary life the family was both a school and a church, the parents being the instructors in secular and in religious lines. But three times a year seasons were appointed for social intercourse and worship. First at Shiloh, and afterward at Jerusalem, these gatherings were held. Only the fathers and sons were required to be present; but none desired to forgo the opportunities of the feasts, and, so far as possible, all the household were in attendance; and with them, as sharers of their hospitality, were the stranger, the Levite, and the poor. Ed 41.5"
"Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the Lord empty:"
The EGW passage describes the feasts of Israel and their educational and social significance, which directly relates to the command in Deuteronomy 16:16 for males to appear before the Lord three times a year. The EGW passage provides context and expands on the purpose of these feasts.