Depending on what movie you may be watching, Satan is portrayed as a cute little impotent cartoon character, or as a frightfully ugly monster. Both images have the effect of causing us to believe that he is a fairy tale.

However, A look into the Bible reveals that Satan is indeed real and is someone that every believer should be aware of. He is not to be taken lightly.

Ezekiel 28:14-17 says he was once a beautiful angel. He was the model of perfection, who became so taken with himself that he was filled with pride and considered himself equal with God. God, who does not tolerate sin, cast him out of heaven.

Since then he has been living up to his name.
The name Satan is derived from a Hebrew word meaning, "act as a deceiver". He deceives, lies, and tries to lead us astray. His mission is to turn God’s children away from Him and to gain control for himself.

Eve and Adam were deceived by Satan, in the Garden of Eden, and were persuaded to disobey God. Genesis 3:1-6.

As described in Luke 4:1-13, at the beginning of His ministry, Jesus went into the dessert and fasted for forty days. There, He had a conversation with Satan, and was tempted to give up His God-given mission on earth. Jesus was not deceived.

Jesus describes Satan, in John 8:44, as a murderer and says that when he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

Now he roams the earth looking for unsuspecting souls to consume. 1Peter 5:8 says Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

What are his methods? These are a few of his small, deceitful ways.

• Gossip: It seems insignificant. Unkind words about someone. Hurt and destruction start here.
  
• Self-indulgence: Satan makes destructive lifestyles appear glamorous and profitable. How attractive quickly won wealth seems. Mood enhancing drugs, and alcohol appear to be harmless diversions.
  
• Lack of self-discipline. When I am distracted from spending time alone with God, when other activities seem more important or more urgent than learning what God has to say to me; Satan’s mission is being accomplished.
  
• Self-consciousness or poor self-image. Satan is an accuser and will tell us that we aren't smart enough or good enough. He will cause us to keep quiet when we should speak. We miss an opportunity to tell someone the Good News of Jesus

Our Defense
Turn away from him and turn fully toward Jesus Christ.

James 4:7&8 - Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and He will come near to you.

Romans 16:20 <- The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.

1 Peter 5: 9 - Resist him. Standing firm in the faith. Because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

His work began in the garden and he works in the world today but he is already defeated and will meet his end when he is thrown into the lake of fire, never to bother us again. Revelation 20:10

See also:
Magic, Divination and Witchcraft
Halloween - the Origins
Halloween - The Symbols