Who were the Galatians? v26n2

Good day. Today we are posting the next newsletter in the series "Love letters to the terminally ill" Vol 26 No 2, written by our dear brother, fellow steward and ambassador of the mystery of Christ, Larry Gazelka. Our prayer is that you will be blessed and encouraged by this newsletter. Have a very blessed and prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. ***You can download a copy of the writings for personal use only by clicking on the Built Anew Ministries Archive page link above and scroll down to the current 2023 year. 

Who were the Galatians?
Vol 26 No 2
 
“The religion of the ancient Galatae was extremely corrupt and superstitious; and they are said to have worshipped the mother of the gods under the name of Agdistis, and to have offered human sacrifices of the prisoners they took in war. 
They are mentioned by historians as a tall and valiant people, who went nearly naked; and used for arms only a sword and buckler. The impetuosity of their attack is stated to have been irresistible; and this generally made them victorious.“ (Adam Clarke commentary)
 
It should also be noted that the Galatians were always looking for someplace new to conqueror but were never much good at settling down and establishing new roots.
 
“The epistle to the Galatians sets before us the great source of the afflictions and conflicts of the apostle in the regions where he had preached the glad tidings; that which was at the same time the principal means employed by the enemy to corrupt the gospel. God, it is true, in His love, has suited the gospel to the wants of man. The enemy brings down that which still bears its name to the level of the haughty will of man and the corruption of the natural heart, turning Christianity into a religion that suits that heart, in place of one that is the expression of the heart of God - an all-holy God - and the revelation of that which He has done in His love to bring us into communion with His holiness. We see, at the same time, the connection between the judaising doctrine - which is the denial of full redemption, and looking for good in flesh and man's will, power in man to work out righteousness in himself for God - in those who hindered the apostle's work, and the attacks that were constantly aimed against his ministry;“ (Darby’s commentary)
 
If we are not somewhat familiar with the people and that which is addressed to them, how can we understand or comprehend why the epistle was scribed in the first place. The epistle was written to them to address and correct spiritual deficiencies that had infiltrated their hearts and minds since the apostles first visit with them. If one is not aware of the spiritual deficiency or sickness, how can they receive the proper medicine to correct that which now ails them?
 
Galatians 1:1-4 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: 3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: KJV
 
If a person does not know the will of God for their life, how can one have a meaningful purpose to follow?
 
If one is not aware of the spiritual sickness that they have, how can they know, let alone find the prescription that will eliminate that affliction.
 
Galatians 1:6-7 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. KJV
 
Let’s say that your doctor gives you a specific prescription for a specific ailment which is in your body. You take the medicine as prescribed, and soon you are feeling so much better and healthier, and more alive than you can recall. Then, after a few months someone comes along and convinces you to quit taking that medicine and gives you an alternative solution. You do not notice the effects at first, since it is a gradual change taking place. Then after a few months one begins to become aware of the deterioration of their health, and now feel worse than they originally did.
 
Matthew 12:43-45 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation. KJV
 
Did you notice how the end result was worse than that which first ailed them in the beginning? His sheep hear His voice, and the voice of another they will not follow. It is imperative as a Christian that one learns His voice. It is only as we know His voice, that one can follow that prescription plan that brought us new life in Christ. Thus, the importance of continuing in His Word, grounded, and settled in His Word, and not fooled or deceived by some snake oil salesman. 
 
That you may know Him, 
In the service of Jesus Christ, 
Larry Gazelka
 
Copyright ©, Larry Gazelka