Self-Sufficiency Some who contemplate becoming missionary workers may think themselves so far advanced that they do not need all this particular drill; but those who feel thus are the very ones who stand in the greatest need of thorough training. When they know much more in regard to the truth and the importance of the work, they will realize their ignorance and inefficiency. When they closely examine their own hearts, they will see themselves in such contrast to the pure character of Christ that they will cry out, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Then they will in deep humility strive daily to place themselves in close connection with Christ. While overcoming the selfish inclinations of the natural heart, they are placing their feet in the path where Christ leads the way. “The entrance of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” [ Psalm 119:130 ]. But those who have a high estimate of their own ability and acquisitions, are so full of self-importance that…
"The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 119:130 in this passage.
"To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?"
The EGW quote directly uses the phrase "Who is sufficient for these things?" and applies it to the realization of one's own inadequacy compared to Christ, which is a direct allusion to 2 Corinthians 2:16.
"Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil."
The EGW quote discusses self-sufficiency and the need for training, contrasting it with humility and dependence on Christ. This aligns with Proverbs 3:7, which warns against being wise in one's own eyes and encourages fearing the Lord. Both passages address the danger of pride and the importance of humility.
"He who is seeking to qualify himself for the sacred work of God should be careful not to place himself on the enemy's ground, but should choose the society of those who will help him to obtain divine knowledge. God suffered John, the beloved disciple, to be exiled to Patmos, where he was separated from the world's bustle and strife, shut away from every outside influence, and even from the work that he loved. Then the Lord could commune with him, opening before him the closing scenes of this world's history. John the Baptist made his home in the wilderness, there to receive from God the message that he was to bear,—a message that was to prepare the way for the Coming One. GW 77.1"
"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil."
Both passages highlight the importance of solitude and separation for receiving divine guidance. EGW uses the examples of John on Patmos and John the Baptist in the wilderness, while Matthew 4:1 describes Jesus being led into the wilderness. The connection lies in the idea that isolation can facilitate a deeper connection with God, even though the context of Matthew 4:1 includes temptation.
"So far as consistent, we should shun every influence that would tend to divert the mind from the work of God. And those especially who are young in faith and experience should beware that they do not in self- confidence place themselves in the way of temptation. GW 77.2"
"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners."
The EGW quote warns against influences that divert from God's work, especially for those new to faith, echoing the warning in 1 Corinthians 15:33 about evil communications corrupting good character. The principle of avoiding negative influences is directly present in both.
"Those who take hold of the work aright, will feel the necessity of having Jesus with them at every step, and they will feel that the cultivation of the mind and the manners is a duty due to themselves and required by God, —a duty which is essential to the success of the work. GW 77.3"
"I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."
The EGW quote emphasizes the necessity of having Jesus at every step and cultivating the mind, which aligns directly with John 15:5, highlighting dependence on Christ for success. Both passages stress the importance of abiding in Christ for fruitful work.