"The monotony of our service for God needs to be broken up. Every church member should be engaged in some line of service for the Master. Some cannot do so much as others, but everyone should do his utmost to roll back the tide of disease and distress that is sweeping over our world. Many would be willing to work if they were taught how to begin. They need to be instructed and encouraged. MH 149.1"
"Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of every church member being involved in service, echoing the idea of the church as a body with each member having a specific role, as described in 1 Corinthians 12:27. While not a direct quote, the concept of individual members contributing to the whole is present in both.
"Every church should be a training school for Christian workers. Its members should be taught how to give Bible readings, how to conduct and teach Sabbath-school classes, how best to help the poor and to care for the sick, how to work for the unconverted. There should be schools of health, cooking schools, and classes in various lines of Christian help work. There should not only be teaching, but actual work under experienced instructors. Let the teachers lead the way in working among the people, and others, uniting with them, will learn from their example. One example is worth more than many precepts. MH 149.2"
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
The EGW passage directly applies the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to the local church, outlining specific ways in which members should be trained to fulfill the command to teach and make disciples. It provides practical examples of how to 'teach them to observe all things'.
"Let all cultivate their physical and mental powers to the utmost of their ability, that they may work for God where His providence shall call them. The same grace that came from Christ to Paul and Apollos, that distinguished them for spiritual excellencies, will today be imparted to devoted Christian missionaries. God desires His children to have intelligence and knowledge, that with unmistakable clearness and power His glory may be revealed in our world. MH 149.3"
"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands."
The EGW passage encourages the development of one's abilities for service, drawing a parallel to Paul's encouragement to Timothy to 'stir up the gift of God.' Both passages emphasize the importance of utilizing and developing the gifts and abilities one has been given for God's work.
"Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit."
The EGW passage speaks of diverse abilities and spiritual excellencies being imparted by God, which aligns with the concept of diverse gifts from the same Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:4. The connection is thematic rather than a direct quote or allusion.