In enumerating the qualifications for those who would be appointed as overseers in the Christian congregations, the apostle Paul states that the overseer should be “moderate in habits” (Gr., ne·phaʹli·os). This would include freedom from overindulgence in wine, as it is also stated that he is not to be “a drunken brawler.” The word ne·phaʹli·os would show that the man would have good sense and exercise moderation in other things, such as speech and conduct, besides being habitually temperate in the use of liquor.​—1Ti 3:2, 3.

Paul also warned Timothy of the apostasy to come, with its danger to the integrity of those Christians who wished to remain true. Timothy, especially, as an overseer, had to be on guard to “keep [his] senses [be sober-minded] in all things,” to “suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish [his] ministry.” (2Ti 4:3-5) In keeping his senses, Timothy was to realize that Paul would not be on the scene much longer (2Ti 4:6-8), and Timothy himself would eventually pass off the scene, so he must commit the things learned to faithful men, who, in turn, would be adequately qualified to teach others. (2Ti 2:2) Thus the congregation would be built up as a bulwark against the apostasy to come, being “a pillar and support of the truth.”​—1Ti 3:15.