"***** There are those who for a time are successful in the struggle against their selfish desire for pleasure and ease. They are sincere and earnest, but grow weary of protracted effort, of daily death, of ceaseless turmoil. Indolence seems inviting, death to self repulsive; and they close their drowsy eyes, and fall under the power of temptation instead of resisting it. GW 135.2"
"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
The EGW passage and Matthew 26:41 both address the struggle against temptation and the weakness of the flesh. The EGW passage describes individuals who succumb to indolence and temptation, while Matthew 26:41 urges believers to watch and pray to avoid entering into temptation, acknowledging the willingness of the spirit but the weakness of the flesh.
"The directions laid down in the word of God leave no room for compromise with evil. The Son of God was manifested that He might draw all men unto Himself. He came not to lull the world to sleep, but to point out the narrow path in which all must travel who reach at last the gates of the city of God. His children must follow where He has led the way; at whatever sacrifice of ease or selfish indulgence, at whatever cost of labor or suffering, they must maintain a constant battle with self. GW 135.3"
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
The EGW passage directly quotes and applies John 12:32.
"Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."
The 'narrow path' imagery is a clear echo of Matthew 7:14.
"And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
The call to sacrifice and follow Christ aligns with the principle of self-denial in Luke 9:23.