Human and Holy: An Iron Rose Sister Ministries Small-Group Bible Study

By Michelle J. Goff

Through this thirteen-week, small-group Bible study, well discuss Jesus and His example of how to live as human and holyset apart to live a holy life, with human nature, but not according to sinful nature.

Theres freedom in understanding the distinction between human nature and sinful naturenot a freedom to sin (Romans 6:1), but a freedom to be all that God calls us to be. Human and Holy is the first of many Iron Rose Sister Ministries Bible Studies.

What I loved about Human and Holy was that it wasnt intimidating. I really connected with the conversational style of the studies.

Christa Duve, young professional

Human and Holy gave me a fresh perspective that I never realized on verses Ive read or studied in the past, as well as the opportunity to discuss topics that we sometimes avoid, but always face as women.

Maryellen Anderson, working mother of two

Human and Holy serves to remind us all we are not alone in our humanness, nor in our pursuit of holiness. Indeed, we have one another and our Most High God to join us on the journey.

Sherry Hubright, author, blogger, and nana

I appreciate that Human and Holy strengthens Christian women in all walks of lifea growth opportunity for seasoned leaders and novice students of the Word.

Katie Forbess, former missionary to Bolivia and mother of three

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 5, 2013
• ISBN: 9781490801520

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Copyright © 2013 Michelle J. Goff

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

WestBow Press

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Bloomington, IN 47403

www.westbowpress.com

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0151-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-0152-0 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013912414

WestBow Press rev. date: 12/28/2015

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface

Iron Rose Sister Ministries Bible Studies Format

Introduction

1.   What does it mean to be Human AND Holy?

2.   The Holy Spirit

3.   Human nature vs. sinful nature

4.   Brokenness, pain, and loss

Broken in God’s Right Hand

5.   Relationships

6.   Misunderstandings

7.   Betrayal

8.   Anger

9.   Forgiveness

10.   Alone time

11.   Hungry, thirsty, and interrupted

12.   Compassion

13.   Trapped and in need of wisdom

Does being an invalid make you feel invalid?

Closing Remarks

References

Notes

Leader’s Guide

About Iron Rose Sister Ministries

DEDICATION

To my family who has always stood by my side and supported me.

To my Aaron and Hur friends who have lifted my arms when I couldn’t anymore, who have seen me at my most human moments and have walked with me in my longing to be holy. You are invaluable lifetime friends and a testimony to what Iron Rose Sisters can and should be.

To my Iron Rose Sisters – past, present and future all over the world.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My primary thanks go to God for His infinite provision. Words cannot express the depth of gratitude to my loving, gracious, heavenly Father.

Secondly, the support of family and friends has been infinite. Without them, I would not be who I am, where I am or able to reach you with these messages!

Countless pages could be filled with the names of many loving brothers and sisters in Christ that have been a part of this journey and have helped make Human AND Holy possible. Thank you!

Thank you to Libby Isenhower for the cover photo and Greg Douglas for my bio picture.

Thanks to all those who helped test the Human AND Holy study materials: Maryellen Anderson, Tonya Brignac, and others of my Twisted Sisters, Robin Gough, the students at the LSU Christian Student Center, and the Brighton Iron Rose Sister Group… Your feedback was vital and your participation was inspiring.

And a special thanks to those who assisted in the editing process! My parents, David and Jocelynn Goff, my grandparents, George and Barbara Brown, Vanessa Gilliam, Jennifer (Goff) Sale, Kimberly (Goff) Edwards, Sherry Hubright, Donna Ellis, Christa Duve, Pam LaPorte, Cindee Stockstill, and Katie Forbess. The constant barrage of questions may have tired you, but your continual support and critiques were invaluable!

Finally, a hat’s off to the team at Westbow Press for their efforts to meet the goals and deadlines to get Human AND Holy in your hands as quickly and professionally as possible.

PREFACE

Early in the process of writing and getting the materials ready for publication, there was a moment of panic that I felt sure would be repeated. It was a familiar feeling from times in the past when I’ve taken a leap of faith. The panic stems from doubt and uncertainty that I will be able to accomplish what I feel God has called me to do and be for Him.

Who am I to do this? Aren’t there others better-equipped to present studies like this? Who will even be interested in purchasing and participating in these studies? Will the studies be enough?

The truth is that no, they won’t be enough. And I’m not enough – because that’s not what it’s about. Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world (I John 4:4). His divine power has given [me] everything [I] need for life and godliness through [my] knowledge of Him who called [me] by his own glory and goodness (II Peter 1:3).

And in the same way the women were described after leaving the empty tomb, I feel afraid, yet filled with joy (Matthew 28:8).

Throughout my fourteen years of ministry experience, I have had the blessing of walking with women of all ages through the trials, challenges, and joys of life. What an honor to have been a part of their journey! While on that journey, we each come to realize that we cannot go it alone and that God has provided us a tremendous guide through His Word and an invaluable network of support through His church, not to mention a tangible example through His Son and the blessing of the Holy Spirit who brings it all together and fills us with His Presence!

It is that blend and balance of emphasis on the Word and on Christian relationships that has always driven me in my quest for women’s Bible study resources. In each of the cities and churches I’ve worked in foreign and domestic missions contexts, I have sought out such solid resources and Bible study materials for women’s small groups. None of the books or studies