The Temperament of the Believer - David Hansen - May 18, 2025
Sanguine
Actors
Salesman
Public speakers
Politicians
Choleric
Producers
Builders
Leaders
Scientists
Melancholy
Musicians, poets
Inventors
Philosophers
Artists
Phlegmatic
Diplomats
Accountants
Teachers
Bureaucrats
Temperaments
Phlegmatic (Abraham)
Melancholy (Moses)
Sanguine (Peter)
Choleric (Paul)
Phlegmatic (Abraham)
stingy, fearful, indecisive, unmotivated, self-protective, spectator
diplomatic, practical, efficient, dependable once under way, calm, easy-going, dry humour
Phlegmatic (Abraham)
examples
Flesh: Waited in Haran because of father Terah (Genesis 11). Went to Egypt when Promised Land in famine (Genesis 12). Schemed twice regarding Sara (Genesis 12, Genesis 20).
Spirit: Obeyed God and left Ur (Genesis 12). Rescued Lot and thoroughly defeated captors (Genesis 14). Was prepared to sacrifice his son (Genesis 22).
Melancholy (Moses)
theoretical, pessimistic, moody, upsets infrequent but dramatic, unsociable, rigid
gifted, sympathetic, empathetic, great depth, loyal, great ‘composer’
theoretical, pessimistic, moody, upsets infrequent but dramatic, unsociable, rigid
gifted, sympathetic, empathetic, great depth, loyal, great ‘composer’
examples
Flesh: “don’t send me, I stammer, send my brother Aaron” (Exodus 4). Struck the rock instead of speaking to it (Numbers 20).
Spirit: Interceded for his people (Exodus 32). Communed with God (Exodus 33).
Sanguine (Peter)
weak-willed, unstable, undisciplined, restless, reactionary, easily discouraged, fearful, exaggerates, does not analyze self, enjoys the stage
outgoing, warm, exciting to be around, does not stay angry, enthusiastic, easily encouraged, heart on his sleeve, charismatic, outspoken, heart-driven
examples
Flesh: rebuked the Lord, denied the Lord, blurt-out on Mt of Transfiguration, ran into tomb, took out sword in Gethsemane, went fishing after crucifixion
Spirit: More interaction with Jesus than anyone else, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6 - heart right place and usable). First recorded sermon is given by Peter (Acts 1). ‘I have nothing but Christ, walk!’ (Acts 3 - no self-orientation). Peter stood and faced down all the ‘PhD’ Pharisees and Saducees in the Spirit and with a powerful array of facts (Acts 4).
Choleric (Paul)
cold, demanding, cranky, crafty, unemotional, sarcastic, inconsiderate, calculating, driven, self sufficient
insightful, perceptive, cerebral/cognitive, analytical, ‘doer’.
examples
Flesh: “..breathing out threatenings” (Acts 9),
Mark not allowed to continue (Acts 15:39)
Spirit: Undeterred by prospect of prison (Acts 23). Thoughts brought into captivity (II Cor. 10). Strength of the believer (Phil. 4:13). Love toward Timothy (epistles to Timothy).
Self
- Interest or fascination ?
- Understanding or acceptance
Philippians 2:4
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Forebearance
Ephesians 4 2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. in all.
Colossians 3 12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Grace
We are expected to grow in it.
II Peter 3:18
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Final Notes
God can and has (and will) use very human humans.
Major biblical figures seem to be very ‘real people’ (because they were).
A transformed temperament is a wonderful (usable) thing.
