"Satan takes advantage of every unconsecrated element for the accomplishment of his purposes. Among those who profess to be the supporters of God's cause there are those who unite with His enemies and thus lay His cause open to the attacks of His bitterest foes. Even some who desire the work of God to prosper will yet weaken the hands of His servants by hearing, reporting, and half believing the slanders, boasts, and menaces of His adversaries. Satan works with marvelous success through his agents, and all who yield to their influence are subject to a bewitching power that destroys the wisdom of the wise and the understanding of the prudent. But, like Nehemiah, God's people are neither to fear nor to despise their enemies. Putting their trust in God, they are to go steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, and committing to His providence the cause for which they stand. PK 645.1"
"For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ."
Both passages discuss the deceptive nature of those who oppose God's work. 2 Corinthians 11:13 speaks of false apostles, while the EGW passage describes how Satan uses unconsecrated elements and agents to undermine God's cause. The theme of deception and internal opposition is present in both.
"Amidst great discouragement, Nehemiah made God his trust, his sure defense. And He who was the support of His servant then has been the dependence of His people in every age. In every crisis His people may confidently declare, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31 . However craftily the plots of Satan and his agents may be laid, God can detect them, and bring to nought all their counsels. The response of faith today will be the response made by Nehemiah, “Our God shall fight for us;” for God is in the work, and no man can prevent its ultimate success. PK 645.2"
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?"
The EGW passage directly quotes Romans 8:31, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" and connects it to Nehemiah's trust in God amidst discouragement, making it a clear and intentional allusion.
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
While EGW quotes Romans 8:31 directly in the preceding sentence, the sentiment expressed in Psalms 27:1 aligns with Nehemiah's trust in God amidst discouragement, making it a valid thematic parallel.