"Viewing With the Eye of Faith By faith look upon the crowns laid up for those who shall overcome; listen to the exultant song of the redeemed, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain and hast redeemed us to God! Endeavor to regard these scenes as real. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, in his terrible conflict with principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places exclaimed, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God” ( Acts 7:56 ). The Saviour of the world was revealed to him as looking down from heaven upon him with the deepest interest, and the glorious light of Christ's countenance shone upon Stephen with such brightness that even his enemies saw his face shine like the face of an angel. SL 91"
"And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."
Ellen White directly references Acts 7:56 in this passage.
"If we would permit our minds to dwell more upon Christ and the heavenly world, we should find a powerful stimulus and support in fighting the battles of the Lord. Pride and love of the world will lose their power as we contemplate the glories of that better land so soon to be our home. Beside the loveliness of Christ, all earthly attractions will seem of little worth. SL 91.2"
"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
Philippians 3:20 emphasizes that our citizenship is in heaven. EGW states that dwelling on Christ and the heavenly world diminishes the power of worldly attractions. Both passages encourage a focus on heavenly things to overcome earthly temptations. The connection is strong and thematic.
"the mind has been long permitted to dwell only on earthly things, it is a difficult matter to change the habits of thought. That which the eye sees and the ear hears, too often attracts the attention and absorbs the interest. But if we would enter the city of God, and look upon Jesus and His glory, we must become accustomed to beholding Him with the eye of faith here. The words and the character of Christ should be often the subject of our thoughts and of our conversation, and each day some time should be especially devoted to prayerful meditation upon these sacred themes. SL 91.3"
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Both passages encourage focusing the mind on positive and spiritual things. Philippians 4:8 provides a list of virtues to contemplate, while the EGW passage emphasizes focusing on Christ. The connection is clear and meaningful.