It seems that there may be a need for clarification on God’s leading. Others have shown that the Greek Word for “led” comes from the Word ago (I lead), which is used 69 times where it means to lead a person or animal from one location to another (e.g., Matt. 21:2; Mark 13:11, Luke 4:1,9, 10:34, John 1:41-42, 18:28, 2 Tim. 4:11). In addition, the Word most often refers to physical leading. However, there are exceptions, and in those cases, it would be wrong to force that meaning in every context in which the Word is used.
Regarding the Holy Spirit, He leads us from sin to righteousness or holy conduct. This is leading from one place to another, but it is neither physical leading nor describes leading in the decisions of everyday life. The only way we may speak of being led by the Holy Spirit in daily decision-making is that our minds and actions of daily living are influenced and, thus, guided toward holy living. Whether we go to town in the car or truck is of no concern to the Holy Spirit. What job to take or any other decision that weighs on our mind will be approached with some influence and guidance, but the decision is ours to make.  For example, suppose a job would place us in conflict with a moral principle like unequally yoking us to unbelievers, hindering us from God-given responsibilities, or making provision to fulfill the lust of the eye and/or flesh. In that case, the decision we make is greatly influenced by the Holy Spirit. He has revealed the mind of God regarding these principles that holy men and women will not ignore. That describes God’s will.  But, giving us a sign, while within God’s power and prerogative, is not how God speaks today. I know that life’s experiences may appear this way to us. There are too many unknowns and uncertainties to say that God’s will is that I take one job over another because we have asked Him for a sign. Things often fall into place for us, and we assume it must be God’s will. We may feel that there are too many incidents or situations for several events to be coincidental. Some would argue that there are no coincidences. Everything is the result of the Spirit’s leading. It is doubtful that if we follow the principles of truth to guide us to holy living, we will make a decision such as a different job or career path that will be against God’s will. But, to say that it is God’s will that I take a particular job means that I must find answers to the questions of life by listening for God’s voice outside of the Scriptures. While this may not be harmful in our job search, to suggest that the Holy Spirit guides me in the meaning of biblical texts and provide revelation on its purpose apart from a careful study of the Word is a dangerous view. It is full of subjectivism and equates the imagination of my own mind and heart to the will of God.
This is the conflict we address in this article and the previous articles. Please give me the book, chapter, and verse in the given context that offers proof for this conclusion. Until we can do this and rightly divide the Word, we are mishandling the Word and attributing our own thinking to God’s will. It seems that when there is religious conflict, this element is present. Ultimately, it is a disrespect of God and His will.