How does mankind generally respond to God's commands and warnings?
Mankind generally responds to God's commands by doing the opposite of what God says is for their good. When God warns against certain actions, people in general do them anyway. This rebellion stems from the old Adamic nature, which is anti-God and influenced by Satan, who urges, 'Do it.'
Les explains that this rebellion is mirrored in the Christian experience: the things we know we should not do, we constantly find ourselves doing when we are in defeat. The things we should do, we excuse away—saying we are too tired, staying home instead of going to Bible study. Paul says that if he does what he would not, he consents that the law is good, because he is rebelling against the good statements of the law. But old Adam says, 'Forget the law; that's God's side. We're anti-God.' Les points out that everything God says for mankind to do for his own good, most of mankind does the opposite. Everything this book warns against, mankind in general does. This is the old Adamic nature taking sway, with Satan and the old nature saying 'do it' and 'everybody else is.' Yet that does not make it right.