2 Timothy 3:1 — “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”

Keeping with our theme, Go The Distance, today’s thought is Going the Distance in Perilous Times. We have been admonished to go the distance and complete that which God has begun in us. We are not to shift from the gospel we have heard. We must be steadfast and unmovable in Christ.

Paul exhorted Timothy to continue in the faith even in the face of increasing evil. Perilous means full of grave risk, hazardous, dangerous. And if ever there were perilous times, we are living in them today.

2 Timothy 3:2–5 — “For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

One theologian stated, “The moment a man makes his own will the center of life, obedience to God and charity to man become impossible. The essence of Christianity is not enthronement, but obliteration of self.”

Love of self is the foundation of the depravity that follows. These attitudes explain chaos in leadership, social disorder, and why people are driven without restraint. Whatever is done, it is often out of control.

1 Corinthians 15:33 — “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.”

We are warned not just to avoid becoming like this, but to avoid the influence of those who are. Paul instructs, from such, turn away.

2 Timothy 3:12–13 — “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”

Matthew 24:24 — “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”

We are the elect. We must beware. Be on guard. Be watchful. But know this — God’s will shall prevail.

Paul told Timothy, continue in the things you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.

We have learned from those God placed over us. So how do we continue?

• Study, meditate on, and memorize the Word of God
• Allow scripture to correct and instruct us in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16–17 — “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

• Be consistent in prayer

1 Thessalonians 5:17 — “Pray without ceasing.”

• Watch in all things

2 Timothy 4:5 — “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”

Endure hardship. Do the work of expanding the Kingdom. Spread the gospel. Fulfill your ministry even through opposition.

1 Corinthians 15:58 — “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

These are perilous times. There will be hardship. There may be persecution. But be encouraged. Hold on. Don’t give up. Be strong. Have good courage. Keep your eyes on Jesus and continue in what you have learned.

Go the distance, even in these perilous times. In the end, we win. We are the victors. We will be the victors.

We will hear Christ say:

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”

It will be worth it all—every trial, every tribulation—when we see Jesus face to face in peace.

Father, we thank You. We thank You for Your Word that encourages us to go the distance, even in these perilous times.

You have reminded us to continue in the things we have heard and learned. We have learned much, O God, and we thank You.

Strengthen us. Keep us steadfast. Keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.