Who are those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority?

With this phrase, Peter is referring primarily to the heretics. They are the ones who have denied Christ as Master (2 Peter 2:1) to follow shameful ways (2 Peter 2:2), pledging allegiance to the flesh (see Romans 7:18, Romans 7:25; Romans 8:4–7; Galatians 5:13, Galatians 5:24; Colossians 2:23).¹ The term indulge in the lust of defiling passion translates a Greek word that has the idea of going after other deities in worship (Deuteronomy 4:3; Deuteronomy 6:14; Deuteronomy 28:14; 1 Kings 11:10; Isaiah 65:2; Hosea 11:10).² Those who ignore the teachings of Christ (God) to live as they please will most certainly face his wrath. Indeed, the examples which Peter has given especially serve to affirm that those who allow themselves to be dominated by sensual desires and ignore God’s commandments will face judgment.³