Such bad traits had infiltrated Christian congregations of Crete.​—Titus 1:12; 3:2.

Such loyalty is demonstrated by “holding firmly to the faithful word” as expounded in the publications of Jehovah’s modern Christian organization.​—Titus 1:6-9.

4. Where particularly do we find lists of qualifications for those entrusted with congregation responsibility?

⁴ Particularly are the requirements for those entrusted with congregation responsibility set out by the apostle Paul at 1 Timothy 3:1-10, 12, 13 and Titus 1:5-9.

16. (a) What is required to be moderate in habits? (b) How can an elder maintain self-control?

¹⁶ Moderate in habits; self-controlled. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8)

It was necessary to appoint overseers and handle some serious problems. (1:1-16)

Titus was to impart spiritually healthful teaching. (2:1-15)

2. (a) How did the apostle Paul link cleanness with zeal? (b) What questions will we now consider?

² The apostle Paul mentioned both cleanness and zeal when he wrote that by God’s undeserved kindness Jesus “gave himself for us that he might deliver us from every sort of lawlessness and cleanse for himself a people peculiarly his own, zealous for fine works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

5. According to 2 Corinthians 4:2, what should be true of our ministry?

⁵ Among other things, those serving as spiritually clean witnesses of Jehovah have been called upon to “repudiate ungodliness and worldly desires.” (Titus 2:11, 12)

Hence, he is able to conduct himself in a sober, clear-minded way.​—1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 4:5; Titus 1:8.

He should also show hospitality to his brothers, to the extent his circumstances allow, and according to their needs.​—Rom. 12:13; 1 Tim. 3:2; Titus 1:8; Jas. 2:14-16.

For there are many unruly men, profitless talkers, and deceivers of the mind, especially those men [Jews] who adhere to the [Jewish] circumcision.” (Titus 1:5-10)

For even we were once [like them] senseless, disobedient, being misled, being slaves to various desires and pleasures, carrying on in maliciousness and envy, hateful, hating one another.”—Titus 3:1-3.

1:5-9 371

2:11, 12 408