to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control endurance, to your endurance godly devotion,

2 Peter 1:5-7.

Knowledge contributes to our having self-control, the ability to bridle one’s person, actions and speech. By continuing to exercise self-control, we will have the essential quality of endurance. The inner strength that endurance produces can also help us to resist giving in to sinful passions, compromising when suffering persecution or becoming preoccupied with daily cares, pleasures or material possessions. This endurance stems from relying on the Most High for strength and guidance.​—Compare Philippians 4:12, 13; James 1:5.

30. (a) What is godly devotion, and how does it manifest itself? (b) What shows that godliness cannot exist apart from brotherly affection?

³⁰ Godly devotion or reverentialness should be added to endurance. Such an attitude distinguishes the entire life course of a genuine Christian. It manifests itself in a wholesome regard and honor for the Creator and a deep respect and concern for parents or others to whom devotion is due. (1 Timothy 5:4) Without brotherly affection, however, godliness cannot exist.