Red flags for detecting deceptions in subtle sermons

A "refrigerator magnet sermon" is a sermon that is quite "attractive" but contains little meaningful content. Such sermons can be preached in any church. A euphemism for a "refrigerator magnet sermon" is ARMS (Attractive Refrigerator Magnet Sermons).

When someone asks you what you thought of the church or sermon, you can say:

Your church has real open ARMS.

I felt welcomed with open ARMS

That preaching was an great example of open ARMS.

Note: A "refrigerator magnet sermon" not of the polarity of the congregation is "repulsive" unlike actual magnets where opposite poles attract.

More: Attractive refrigerator magnet sermons

Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]

τουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]

… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

The Latin word "decipio" ≈ "catch, ensnare" from the Latin word "de" ≈ "of, from" and the Latin word "capio" ≈ "capture" and is the source of the English word "capture". The "enticing words" is interesting in the Latin.

The Latin word "subtilitate" ≈ "subtle".
The Latin word "sermonum" ≈ "sermons" and has to do with words being spoken and is the source of the English word "sermon".

Using the Greek and Latin: See that no one uses false reasoning on you in subtle sermons. Does your pastor preach "subtle sermons"?

Might there be a reason why you seldom hear this chapter being preached?

More: Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons

Aristotle wrote a book called On Sophistic Refutations in which he detailed the "false reasoning" used by Sophists (from the Greek word for "wisdom") who would use invalid logic to convince others of ideas to make money for themselves. In English, "sophistic" logic or "false reasoning" is "sophistry".
One of the many types of invalid logic detailed by Aristotle was "eristic" reasoning. Paul uses that word often but it is often translated, without the "bad logic" connection, as "strife"

More: Eristic reasoning creates strife and contention

More: Aristotle

The ancient Greek word "παραλογίζομαι" ≈ "reason falsely" is used often by Aristotle in his work On sophistic refutations. Paul uses this word in Colossians - a book that uses many Aristotelian words. Apparently "false reasoning" in "teaching" was a problem at the church at Colossae.

Colossians 2:4 And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. [kjv]

τουτο λεγω ινα μηδεις υμας παραλογιζηται εν πιθανολογια [gnt]

… decipiat … subtilitate sermonum [v]

The Latin for "enticing words" is "subtle sermons".

One meaning: Beware lest anyone use false reasoning on you with subtle sermons.

More: Colossians 2:1-23 Philosophy and false reasoning through subtle sermons

More: Aristotle

Here is a start at some red flags in sermons that require further investigation. There is a saying, "where there is smoke there is fire". There is not always a fire, but when smoke is observed, better check if there is a fire. Some sermons will be blowing smoke. Better check those out.

Why is a theologian quoted? Why not use a verse from the Bible that expresses the same view?
Why is a modern definition provided for a word in a Bible verse? The definition needed is the one when the original word was used, not the definition that probably has changed over time.
A skipped verse is a red flag. Check the skipped verses. Better yet, at least check the verses before and after the verse used. This is called checking the context of the verse.
A selection of verses throughout the Bible is a red flag for cherry-picking. That is, selecting verses out of context to weave the desired view that may not be in line with the Bible.
Some pastors will tell a quick joke or make some humorous comment so that the audience laughs. This allows the pastor to move on without covering part of the verse that may not be in line with the pastor's political or social views.

Ration of verse and Bible time to total time. Some pastors may not even cover a single verse in a sermon. [story]
Using mind control ideas from psychology to create dots to be connected by the congregation. This provides plausible deniability when that direction is brought up.
When presented with something that was not true, a pastor may say "I just wanted to keep it simple" when it is clear the pastor had little idea what he was talking about.
Idle words
God is not mocked
Avoiding eye contact
Avoiding interaction with congregation after the service

... more to be added ...