"True Christian growth tends upward to the full stature of men and women in Christ. True culture, real refinement of thought and manners, is better obtained by learning lessons in the school of Christ, than by the most labored, painstaking effort to observe forms and set rules, when the heart is not under the discipline of the Spirit of God. GW 283.1"
"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:"
Both passages discuss Christian growth and maturity, with Ephesians 4:13 referring to the 'full stature of Christ' and EGW speaking of 'full stature of men and women in Christ.' The connection is thematic and meaningful.
"The follower of Jesus should be constantly improving in manners, in habits, in spirit, in labor. This is done by keeping the eye, not on mere outward, superficial attainments, but on Jesus. A transformation takes place in mind, in spirit, in character. The Christian is educated in the school of Christ to cherish the graces of His Spirit in all meekness and lowliness. He is fitting for the society of heavenly angels. GW 283.2"
"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
Both passages discuss transformation into the image of Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:18 speaks of being 'changed into the same image,' while EGW describes a 'transformation' in mind, spirit, and character.
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Both passages emphasize learning from Jesus and adopting His characteristics, particularly meekness and lowliness. Matthew 11:29 directly mentions these qualities, and EGW speaks of cherishing the graces of His Spirit in 'all meekness and lowliness.'
"***** Above all other people on the earth, the man whose mind is enlightened by the word of God will feel that he must give himself to greater diligence in the perusal of the Bible, and to a diligent study of the sciences; for his hope and his calling are greater than any other. The more closely man is connected with the Source of all knowledge and wisdom, the more he can be helped intellectually as well as spiritually. The knowledge of God is the essential education, and this knowledge every true worker will make it his constant study to obtain.— Counsels to Teachers, 510 . GW 283.3"
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Both passages emphasize the importance of gaining wisdom and understanding. Proverbs 4:7 explicitly states, 'Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom,' while EGW highlights the importance of knowledge of God as essential education.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
Both passages emphasize the importance of knowing God. John 17:3 defines eternal life as knowing God, and the EGW passage highlights the knowledge of God as essential education.