SS Outline 3.1.2026

Apologetics Week 6 – The Gospel at the Center
Theme: Apologetics must never drift into mere argumentation. The goal is the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because only the gospel saves.

I. Apologetics Serves the Gospel
•The power of salvation is not our reasoning but the gospel (Rom 1:16).
•Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ crucified (1 Cor 2:2).
•Arguments may clear obstacles, but only the gospel brings new life.

II. What the Gospel Is (and Is Not)
A. The Gospel Is:
•Historical: Christ died, was buried, and rose again (1 Cor 15:3–4).
•Substitutionary: Christ died for our sins.
•Victorious: He conquered death and reigns as Lord.
•Gracious: Salvation is by grace alone.
B. The Gospel Is Not:
•Moral improvement.
•Self-help spirituality.
•Political ideology.
•Mere religious tradition.

III. The Danger of Gospel Drift
•Apologetics can drift when:
•Winning arguments becomes the goal.
•Intellectual pride replaces humility.
•Cultural debates overshadow eternal realities.
•Christ becomes secondary.

IV. The Gospel Addresses the Heart
•Unbelief is not merely intellectual; it is moral and spiritual.
•People need reconciliation with God, not just better arguments.
•The cross answers guilt, shame, fear, and death.

1. Why is it dangerous to separate apologetics from the gospel?
2. How can we move conversations naturally from objections to the good news of Christ?
3. What are the signs that we are arguing to win rather than witnessing to save?
4. Why does the cross address deeper issues than intellectual doubt?