Jerry Bridges, in his contemporary classic Pursuit of Holiness, writes: “Years ago a friend gave me what he called his ‘Formula: How to Know Right from Wrong.’ The formula asks four questions based on three verses in 1 Corinthians:

1. ‘”Everything is permissible for me” – but not everything is beneficial’ (1 Corinthians 6.12). Question 1: Is it helpful – physically, spiritually, and mentally?

2. ‘”Everything is permissible for me” – but I will not be mastered by anything’ (1 Corinthians 6.12). Question 2: Does it bring me under its power?

3. ‘Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall’ (1 Corinthians 8.13). Question 3: Does it hurt others?

4. ‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God’ (1 Corinthians 10.31). Question 4: Does it glorify God?”