"Chapter 9—The Work and the Life God is the source of life and light and joy to the universe. Like rays of light from the sun, like the streams of water bursting from a living spring, blessings flow out from Him to all His creatures. And wherever the life of God is in the hearts of men, it will flow out to others in love and blessing. SC 77"
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
Both passages emphasize God as the source of good gifts and blessings, emanating light and goodness to His creation. The EGW passage uses the imagery of light and streams, echoing the 'Father of lights' in James.
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Both passages use the imagery of flowing water to represent the outpouring of God's blessings and the life that comes from Him. EGW's 'streams of water bursting from a living spring' parallels John's 'rivers of living water'.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Both passages connect the life of God within individuals to outward expressions of good works and blessings that glorify God. EGW's 'life of God...will flow out to others in love and blessing' aligns with Matthew's call to 'let your light so shine'.
"Our Saviour's joy was in the uplifting and redemption of fallen men. For this He counted not His life dear unto Himself, but endured the cross, despising the shame. So angels are ever engaged in working for the happiness of others. This is their joy. That which selfish hearts would regard as humiliating service, ministering to those who are wretched and in every way inferior in character and rank, is the work of sinless angels. The spirit of Christ's self-sacrificing love is the spirit that pervades heaven and is the very essence of its bliss. This is the spirit that Christ's followers will possess, the work that they will do. SC 77.2"
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
EGW directly references and expands upon the idea of Jesus enduring the cross and despising the shame for the joy set before Him, as described in Hebrews 12:2. The connection is clear and intentional.
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."
EGW's passage echoes the self-sacrificing love and humility of Christ described in Philippians 2:5-8. Both passages emphasize Christ's willingness to humble Himself and serve others, even to the point of death. The connection is strong and relevant.
"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?"
The EGW passage directly connects the joy of angels with ministering to others, which aligns with Hebrews 1:14's description of angels as 'ministering spirits.' The EGW passage expands on the idea that this service is not humiliating but a source of joy.
"Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."
Both passages highlight Jesus's ministry of service and sacrifice. EGW's statement that Jesus's joy was in uplifting and redeeming fallen men aligns with Matthew 20:28, which states that Jesus came to minister and give His life as a ransom. The connection is valid and meaningful.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
The EGW passage aligns with the principle of humility and selfless concern for others found in Philippians 2:3-4. Both passages emphasize the importance of looking out for the interests of others rather than being self-centered.
"When the love of Christ is enshrined in the heart, like sweet fragrance it cannot be hidden. Its holy influence will be felt by all with whom we come in contact. The spirit of Christ in the heart is like a spring in the desert, flowing to refresh all and making those who are ready to perish, eager to drink of the water of life. SC 77.3"
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
Both passages use the imagery of flowing water to represent the outpouring of spiritual life and the impact of faith on others. The EGW passage expands on the idea of the 'water of life' refreshing those who are spiritually thirsty, echoing the sentiment in John 7:38.
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid."
Both passages emphasize the idea that the presence of Christ's influence (love in the EGW passage, being the light of the world in Matthew) cannot be hidden and will inevitably affect others. The 'sweet fragrance' and 'spring in the desert' are analogous to the city on a hill that cannot be hid.
"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
Similar to John 7:38, John 4:14 speaks of a 'well of water springing up into everlasting life.' The EGW passage uses the metaphor of a spring in the desert to describe the spirit of Christ, which aligns with the concept of inner spiritual refreshment and eternal life found in John 4:14.
"Love to Jesus will be manifested in a desire to work as He worked for the blessing and uplifting of humanity. It will lead to love, tenderness, and sympathy toward all the creatures of our heavenly Father's care. SC 77.4"
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
Both passages emphasize the importance of love as a central commandment and a manifestation of faith. EGW directly connects love for Jesus with a desire to work for the blessing of humanity, reflecting the principle of loving one another as Christ loved us.
"And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Both passages connect love for Jesus with acts of service and compassion towards others. Matthew 25:40 specifically identifies these acts as being done to Jesus himself, while EGW emphasizes working for the 'blessing and uplifting of humanity' as a manifestation of love for Jesus.