For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.
Paul explains to the Thessalonians that a sign that God has chosen them was their deep conviction. The ESV renders it "full conviction." What did the "full conviction" of the Thessalonians look like to Paul. He goes on to list a few things:
1. Imitated Paul and the Lord, v. 6
2. Received the Word although suffering for it, v. 6
3. Became a model for other believers, v. 7
4. Their faith became known to other believers, v. 8
5. Turned away from idols, v. 9
6. Wait for Jesus return, v. 10
As I was thinking on these verses, a few things are clear:
1. These amazing characteristics of these Christians are a result of God "choosing" them. I'm very glad it is not the other way around and we are not chosen only if we have these characteristics.
2. We need to pray in faith for "deep conviction" that accompanies the power of God and Holy Spirit.
