"Some have given up in discouragement, and have engaged in other employment. Had these patiently and humbly placed their feet on the lowest round of the ladder, and then with persevering energy climbed step by step, diligently improving the privileges and opportunities within their reach, they might have become able, useful workmen, who could give full proof of their ministry, and of whom the Master would not be ashamed. GW 79.1"
"He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much."
The EGW passage discusses starting small and persevering to become useful, which aligns with the principle in Luke 16:10 about faithfulness in little leading to faithfulness in much. Both passages emphasize the importance of diligence and growth in one's abilities.
"If those who propose to work for the salvation of souls depend on their own finite wisdom, they will certainly fail. If they entertain humble views of self, and rely fully upon the promises of God, He will never fail them. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” [ Proverbs 3:5, 6 ] We have the privilege of being directed by a wise Counselor. GW 79.2"
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding."
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 3:5, making it an explicit allusion.
"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
The EGW passage directly quotes Proverbs 3:6, making it an explicit allusion.
"God can make humble men mighty in His service. Those who obediently respond to the call of duty, improving their abilities to the very utmost, may be sure of receiving divine assistance. Angels will come as messengers of light to the help of those who will do all that they can on their part, and then trust in God to co- operate with their efforts. GW 79.3"
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
The EGW passage speaks of angels assisting those who are working for God, which aligns with the concept in Hebrews 1:14 of angels being ministering spirits sent to help heirs of salvation. While not a direct quote, the thematic connection is clear.
"It should be impressed on all who have decided to become workers for God, that they must give evidence that they are converted men. A young man without a sound, virtuous character will be no honor to the truth. Every worker should be pure in heart; in his mouth should be found no guile. He should bear in mind that, to be successful, he must have Christ by his side, and that every sinful practice, however secret is open to the view of Him with whom we have to do. GW 79.4"
"Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do."
EGW's phrase 'with whom we have to do' is a direct quote from Hebrews 4:13, and the context of God seeing all secret sins is also present in both passages.
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."
EGW directly uses the phrase 'pure in heart' which is the key phrase in Matthew 5:8. The context of moral purity for service also aligns well.
"Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:"
EGW uses the phrase 'no guile found in his mouth,' which is directly from 1 Peter 2:22. The context of a worker's character connects to the sinless character of Christ.