Transforming Your Temperament: Biblical Example of a Sanguine

If you had to choose, which Biblical character do you think you would have the most in common with? Would it be Abraham- a great patriarch but who was, at times, indecisive and faithless? Or perhaps it is Moses, another great leader but prone to anger and moodiness. You may identify with Peter, a great talker and charming but erratic and often spoke/acted without thinking. Maybe Paul, a brilliant scholar and missionary but often unloving and controlling, is the character you equate yourself to.

God gave us such rich examples and illustrations in Scripture. I believe that He gave us examples of believers who were just like us and were infused with His power to do great things. This is not only a wonderful peek into their lives but a hope for what our lives could be like when fully committed to God.

For this lesson, let's take a look at a great example of a sanguine who was transformed by God.

Sanguines are the first of the extroverted temperaments we will discuss. They are a unique blend of happy confidence. They will talk about weather, friends, and a hundred other things before facing the real problem. Here are some more aspects of a sanguine:

Eating Habits: They eat everything in sight. Rarely look at a menu until the waitress arrives. The least picky of all the temperaments.

Driving: Are erratic drivers. Sometimes fast and sometimes slow. Like to look people in the face while talking and driving.

Shopping: Are not price conscious, are drawn to color or display. Usually have overloaded carts.

Yard Care: Have all the tools but before they can get started they get side-tracked and later end up putting the tools away.

Study Habits: Are not usually good students but can be if motivated. Bright, but restless, and usually undisciplined. Short interest span and easily distracted. Hard to stay focused for a long time. They have expressive and flamboyant handwriting.

Speaking: Are intuitive speakers. Overly expressive and use exaggeration freely.

Bill Paying: Are usually terrible record-keepers. May take several reminders. Hate details. May hate their overspending, but rarely cut down.

Discipline: Usually take time to comfort and love children after disciplining them. Can be very loud and expressive. Can be screamers. May not carry out threats. Children may not respond until they think they have to. Should discipline immediately, otherwise they may change their mind and be too forgiving, which may lead to permissiveness. Be consistent.

Peter- Man of Hope

The Good- Peter was an extrovert. He was also impetuous, loveable, and laughable. As a Sanguine, he was warm, friendly and the kind of person who was like a magnet to others. He was the life of the party, a good talker, happy-go-lucky, generous, compassionate, and responsive to his surroundings and those around him.

The Bad- He was often weak-willed, emotionally unstable, explosive, restless and egotistical. He had great difficulty following through on details. Often he felt insecure and fearful. Peter's life was one of extremes including failures and successes. Sanguines find it hard to diagnose their own personality because they are not given to self-examination or introspection.

The Truth-

Impulsive. Peter wasn't naturally spiritual. He was a fisherman, but immediately left all to follow Jesus. He invited Jesus to his mother-in-law's house and she was sick. He got out of the boat without really thinking. When he didn't know what to do, he talked. Luke 9:33. He also tended to jump from one thing to another.

Uninhibited- Luke 5:1-11. He was eager to please.

Outspoken- Here is a positive example of when his heart was right. Matthew 16:13-20.

Egotistical- He couldn't stand success without letting it go to his head. We see good and bad all in one chapter. Matthew 16:17, 22-23. He receives a severe rebuke.

Self-seeking- Matthew 19:27

Braggart- Tends to brag that whatever he does or has is best. Matthew 26:31, 33

Weak-willed- Lies under pressure rather than face shame or penalty. Forgets past affirmations and intentions. John 13:37

The Failure

Peter stood by the fire and even used curse words to deny the Lord. Sanguines need Christian fellowship as they are many times no stronger than those they are with. They are also prone to cry. They can be hot one moment and cold the next. Simon by name and nature was the little rock. It took this great failure to realize the need for change and the Holy Spirit's power in Peter's life.

The Transformation

A Sanguine under God's influence doesn't promote self or talk about "I" so much.

A Sanguine under God's influence loves prayer, worship and church.

A Sanguine under God's influence will bear fruit.

Wisdom. God gives wisdom. Acts 4:18-20. Under pressure, Peter knew what to say.

Joy.

Humility. Acts 9:36-42. Unusual for a Sanguine not to want a crowd and to seek glory for helping.

Prayerfulness. He thought on the vision, Acts 10:19.

Love. Acts 10:28-29

Gentleness. Peter didn't get angry. Acts 11:2,4,18

Faith. Sound asleep, Acts 12:5-6

Patience. Just kept on knocking. Acts 12:16

Leadership. Acts 15:7

Summary: Though Peter had lapses (Galatians 2:14) because of the fear of man, we still see the road to maturity. In the book of 2 Peter, he even honors the Apostle Paul. The really wonderful thing is how much God used this sanguine.

Temperament Transformation: Sanguine

The Sanguine will need 6 fruits or strengths of the Holy Spirit.

Peace- instead of restlessness

Long-suffering- endurance to finish things

Gentleness- in conversation

Meekness- in place of ego

Faith- to overcome fear and insecurity

Self-control- to overcome lack of self-control

Questions to Think About:

1. Whether you have a sanguine temperament or not, what are some things you can identify with Peter? Anything?

2. Why do you suppose the Scripture records so many of Peter's failings? What can we learn from this?

3. Read 2 Peter 1:3-8. With your temperament in mind, what does this mean to you?