"Young men are wanted. God calls them to missionary fields. Being comparatively free from care and responsibilities, they are more favorably situated to engage in the work than are those who must provide for the training and support of a large family. Furthermore, young men can more readily adapt themselves to new climates and new society, and can better endure inconveniences and hardships. By tact and perseverance, they can reach the people where they are. GW 84.1"
"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me."
Both passages relate to the call to service. Isaiah 6:8 is Isaiah's response to God's call, and EGW discusses God calling young men to missionary fields, highlighting their suitability for the task.
"Strength comes by exercise. All who put to use the ability which God has given them, will have increased ability to devote to His service. Those who do nothing in the cause of God, will fail to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. A man who would lie down and refuse to exercise his limbs, would soon lose all power to use them. Thus the Christian who will not exercise his God-given powers, not only fails to grow up into Christ, but he loses the strength which he already had; he becomes a spiritual paralytic. GW 84.2"
"For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath."
The EGW passage directly illustrates and applies the principle stated in Matthew 25:29 regarding the use and increase of talents or abilities. The consequence of not using what one has is the loss of that ability, mirroring the biblical verse.
"It is those who, with love for God and their fellowmen, are striving to help others, that become established, strengthened, settled, in the truth. The true Christian works for God, not from impulse, but from principle; not for a day or a month, but during the entire life.... GW 84.3"
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
The EGW passage emphasizes consistent effort in helping others, which aligns with the encouragement in Galatians 6:9 to not grow weary in well-doing, as there will be a reward for perseverance.
"The Master calls for gospel workers. Who will respond? Not all who enter the army are to be generals, captains, sergeants, or even corporals. Not all have the care and responsibility of leaders. There is hard work of other kinds to be done. Some must dig trenches and build fortifications; some are to stand as sentinels, some to carry messages. While there are but few officers, it requires many soldiers to form the rank and file of the army; yet its success depends upon the fidelity of every soldier. One man's cowardice or treachery may bring disaster upon the entire army.... GW 84.4"
"For the body is not one member, but many."
The EGW passage uses the analogy of an army to illustrate that not everyone has the same role, but each role is important for the overall success. This is a clear parallel to 1 Corinthians 12:14, which uses the analogy of a body with many members to convey a similar message about the diversity and interdependence of roles within the Christian community.
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
The EGW passage uses the analogy of an army to illustrate that not everyone has the same role, but each role is important for the overall success. This is a clear parallel to 1 Corinthians 12:27, which uses the analogy of the body of Christ to convey a similar message about the diversity and interdependence of roles within the Christian community.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;"
Both passages discuss different roles within a larger group working towards a common goal, with some having leadership positions and others fulfilling supporting roles. EGW uses the analogy of an army, while Ephesians 4:11 discusses different roles within the church. The connection is thematic, not a direct quote or explicit allusion.