These verses are just so important for us to read, bite into and then swallow. It says exercise self control, and that mean as we get to know Jesus we will also have to partner with Him to believe and change our ways. The Holy Spirit is in us to guide us and show us everything but He will not just make us new. We are going to have to believe and accept what Jesus has done and then live as new creations lead by the Spirit in us. It says to live obediently to the Father and not to do what we desire but to see what God desires. When we continue to grow and study our new life the Spirit shows us every way to be obedient and as we surrender, God's love will transform us, but it takes us being a part of the transformation. In Romans chapter 12 verse 2 it tells us "...to let God transform us..." If we don't (let) we will struggle being different and if we are not different the world won't see Christ in us.
I love verse 23 which says, "you have been born again, but not to a life that will quickly end. Your new life will last forever because it comes from the eternal, living word of God." As the church and a new creation (born again) we must be an example to right living that is shown by a love that can only comes from The Lord. We must stop living by our feelings and start feeling why we are living. Which is living for Him and growing to help people see Him in all we do. It is a process of maturing that will never stop but will always get better. Our strength comes from Christ and that strengths allows us to say no to our desires and yes to His will. It doesn't mean He will make our desires right for our lives, but He will help us think of the better way that will glorify the Father. We can't fight the truth and have it our way we must open up and learn to be holy like He is holy, this is done by having a relationship with Him and desiring to be like Him.
I want to end with this prayer: Father I want to thank you for the gift you have given to all and I want to learn all I can so I continue to grow and show that I am a fully devoted follower of Jesus. Keep my focus on you and off of me. Amen