Not Before God

We continue in this lesson the lesson begun last week about boasting, works, and faith. If the first reason is because all have sinned, what is the second reason why everyone must be justified by faith? Why was it necessary for Paul to prove his point by using the example of Abraham? When Paul says "not before God," is he speaking of it being acceptable for Abraham to boast before men? What is the back story for the verse about Abraham that Paul quotes from the Old Testament? What is the problem with thinking about justification being the result of Abraham's works? What is possible for the problem justified by believing in God to not do and and still be justified? (50 min.)