Judges 17–18 is one of the most unsettling sections in the book of Judges—not because of violence or war, but because it exposes what happens when people create their own version of God. In these chapters, we meet Micah, his family, a wandering Levite, and an entire tribe who each build a custom-made religion that looks spiritual on the surface but is completely detached from the true God. This sermon explores how easy it is for any of us to fashion a god that suits our preferences—one who never confronts us, never contradicts us, and always agrees with our desires. Whether it’s reshaping God’s character, using religion as a tool for personal gain, or redefining morality to fit our lifestyles, man-made gods always lead to confusion, emptiness, and ruin. In this message, we look at three warnings from Judges 17–18: Let God be Himself — resisting the temptation to remake God in our image. Make God the object of worship, not the means — turning from performance-based religion and self-centered faith. Let God define right and wrong — rejecting the chaos of self-made morality and submitting to God’s authority. But the good news shines through: Jesus Christ stands in stark contrast to every false god we create. He does not bend to our whims, nor does He leave us to define our own truth. He is the Holy One of God—the true source of life, righteousness, and transformation. If you’ve felt the emptiness of chasing a god of your own making, this passage offers hope. The real God is better. The real God is enough. And the real God invites you into a life shaped not by your desires, but by His truth and grace. Scripture: Judges 17–18 Speaker: Pastor Mike Rue