What does the law show that man is naturally bent to do?
The law shows that man is naturally bent to sin: to take God's name in vain, to worship idols, to be envious, to steal, and to do all the things the law prohibits. It gives the knowledge of sin, revealing the old Adam's operating nature.
Les explains the law's one purpose in Scripture is to give the knowledge of sin, not of God. When God gave the Ten Commandments, they showed the old Adam how he really operated. All the law could do was show man he is bent to take God's name in vain, worship idols, be envious, thieve, and do all the things the law prohibits. It was intended to show man his sin. Les then contrasts law and grace: the old Adam nature shall not have dominion over you; it is dead, for you are not under the law but under grace.