"A serious and perhaps unsuspected hindrance to the success of the truth is to be found in our churches themselves. When an effort is made to present our faith to unbelievers, the members of the church too often stand back, as if they were not an interested party, and let all the burden rest upon the minister. For this reason the labor of our most able ministers has been at times productive of little good. The very best sermons may be preached, the message may be just what the people need, and yet no souls be gained as sheaves to present to Christ. GW 196"
"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."
Both passages emphasize the collaborative nature of ministry and working together with God (or the minister). EGW expands on the idea that church members should actively participate rather than passively observe.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages discuss the importance of believers actively demonstrating their faith. Matthew 5:16 calls for good works to glorify God, while the EGW passage criticizes church members who don't actively participate in sharing their faith.
"In laboring where there are already some in the faith, the minister should at first seek not so much to convert unbelievers, as to train the church-members for acceptable co-operation. Let him labor for them individually, endeavoring to arouse them to seek for a deeper experience themselves, and to work for others. When they are prepared to sustain the minister by their prayers and labors, greater success will attend his efforts. GW 196.2"
"For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:"
Ephesians 4:12 speaks of equipping the saints for ministry, and EGW directly echoes this by stating the minister should train church members for cooperation. The purpose is the same: preparing believers for active participation.
"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God."
Both passages highlight the importance of believers ministering to one another. 1 Peter 4:10 encourages using gifts to serve, while EGW emphasizes the need for church members to support the minister through prayer and labor.
"***** Nothing lasting can be accomplished for churches in different places unless they are aroused to feel that a responsibility rests upon them. Every member of the body should feel that the salvation of his own soul depends upon his own individual effort. Souls cannot be saved without exertion. The minister cannot save the people. He can be a channel through which God will impart light to His people; but after the light is given, it is left with the people to appropriate that light, and in their turn to let it shine forth to others.— Testimonies for the Church 2:121 . GW 196.3"
"Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."
The connection is strong. Philippians 2:12 urges believers to 'work out your own salvation,' and EGW directly echoes this by stating that the salvation of each member depends on their individual effort. Both emphasize personal responsibility in spiritual growth.
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house."
Both passages emphasize the importance of individual action and responsibility in spreading light/truth. EGW expands on the idea of not hiding one's light, applying it to personal effort in sharing faith.